ND couple killed while sleeping after tree dropped onto their rental house in San Diego

A couple from North Dakota was killed while visiting California after a huge tree fell onto their rental home on Monday morning, January 21.

The strong winds that hit southern California knocked down trees on roads, cars, and yards, claiming the lives of at least two people, relatives and police said Tuesday.

Winds from the coast hit several mountainous and valley areas on Tuesday and are expected to continue throughout the week, as the National Meteorological Service said.

Winds toppled huge trees on Monday in neighborhoods in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Read more on our Twitter account @amomama_usa

In San Diego, a pine fell on a rental house and killed a couple who were on vacation. Troy and Jessica Nelson, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, were sleeping on the upper floor of the residence when the 23-meter (75-foot) tall tree collapsed, family and police said.

"It was a very strange accident," Tammy Reynolds, the man's sister, told The San Diego Union-Tribune. "I guess we're all in shock that they're gone."

The winds appeared shortly after the region was hit by heavy rains for several days. Saturated soil can loosen roots, making it easier for winds to knock down trees, said Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Fernando Pattison.

In the Los Angeles area, the winds are expected to reach their highest intensity in the morning. In San Diego and Orange counties, new gusts are expected for Thursday afternoon and early Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

This reminds us of the story of a young couple who died a few moments after their wedding when the helicopter they were flying crashed into the side of a hill.

The chopper carrying newlyweds Will Byler and Bailee Ackerman went down early on Sunday in Uvalde, Texas, about 25 kilometers from the Byler family’s ranch. Gerald Green Lawrence, the pilot of the Bell 206B helicopter, also died in the crash.