A powerful storm swept through Southern California early Thursday, causing significant damage and even spawning a tornado in Pico Rivera. The storm brought strong winds, heavy rain, and evacuation warnings across various regions, leading to fears of mudslides and flooding.
Around 3:15 a.m., a tornado with winds reaching 85 mph touched down in Pico Rivera, traveling approximately one mile through a residential area. According to the National Weather Service, this tornado, classified as the weakest on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, caused extensive damage along Glencannon Drive. Trees were uprooted, and several vehicles and homes were affected. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Residents described the terrifying experience. Edgar Reynoso, whose backyard wall collapsed, recalled hearing a loud noise that felt like an explosion. Another resident, Cuba Garcia, was startled awake by the winds that flipped a metal canopy onto his roof. Many were left in shock, as tornadoes are rare in this part of California.
The storm also caused widespread flooding and road closures from southern Santa Barbara County down to Orange County. The Los Angeles Fire Department was called to rescue individuals trapped by rising waters in the Los Angeles River. In addition to the tornado, the storm produced strong wind gusts, with some areas experiencing winds exceeding 50 mph.
In the mountains surrounding Los Angeles, the storm dumped several inches of snow, leading to school closures and reports of power outages. Major ski resorts reported up to 10 inches of fresh snow. Meteorologists noted that this storm was one of the most significant snow producers of the winter season.
As the storm continued to move south, officials issued evacuation warnings for areas prone to mudslides, particularly near burn scars from previous wildfires. Many neighborhoods in Malibu and other hillside areas were placed under evacuation orders as a precaution.
By mid-morning, the worst of the storm had passed through Los Angeles County, but residents remained on alert for potential aftereffects, including additional rain and possible debris flows. The storm’s impact highlights the ongoing challenges that Southern California faces with extreme weather events, especially in areas susceptible to flooding and mudslides.