Beams of light on a cloudy afternoon

I was inside a building, on the telephone to a friend. Outside was a normal cloudy February day. There was an extremely bright flash of light at the front window. 
Two very brite figures stood in the front room, and suddenly became 2 beams of light. They moved towards the back room to where I was on the phone. They were as bright as lightning, whitish on top and red underneath. One passed very near to where I stood. It slowed, and I was tempted to put my hand out to touch it, but didn't. The beam then continued out the other end of the room. I told my friend what was happening. 
I did not see a UFO, as the sky was full of clouds; but, have always wondered where the bright flash and beams could have come from. This location was also about 4 miles from Bishop Airport.
Any sightings about this time and area?
Witness indicates that date of sighting is approximate.  PD