Lake Elsinore, Wildomar 'Booms, Explosions' Continue

SOUTHWEST RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — It was particularly noisy across Lake Elsinore, Wildomar and the rest of Southwest Riverside County Wednesday, and the loud sounds are continuing Thursday. What seems like thunder or explosions has had some citizens a bit concerned.

In fact, the noise is coming from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, as troops train with high explosive munitions.

Most Southwest Riverside County residents are accustomed to the "booms" that can last all day and night, but for people new to the area ... not so much.

This week, the troops are training in the Whiskey/Zulu Impact area, which is situated near the Southwest Riverside County cities of Temecula and Murrieta. Local residents living on the western outskirts of the cities — especially unincorporated areas — might hear and feel the training more than east-siders. Depending on weather conditions, the troops' "thunder" can seem louder than other days. Wednesday was so loud that windows were shaking.

The training is ongoing, and noise advisories issued by the base show residents can expect more booming through the week. See the latest from the base here.

Of course, Camp Pendleton is not always the source of booms. In Southwest Riverside County, Mother Nature can deliver real thunder, lightning (dry or otherwise), hail, crazy wind, downpours, and occasional snow. (Another winter storm is on the way.) Welcome new neighbors!