Pico Rivera Tornado Leaves Damage in Its Wake
Residents of Glencannon Drive in Pico Rivera, who were bracing for rain, were taken by surprise early Thursday morning when a tornado struck the area, uprooting trees and causing damage to multiple homes.
Unexpected Destruction
The tornado touched down around 3:15 a.m., with wind gusts reaching up to 85 mph, and traveled approximately one mile before dissipating. Edgar Reynoso, a local resident, described the moment it hit his property: “I heard like a big old bomb,” he recalled, noting the lightning that illuminated the sky just before the winds howled through his street. A brick wall in his backyard collapsed, although his house sustained minimal damage.
Assessment by Meteorologists
The National Weather Service has classified the tornado as an EF0, the lowest rating on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with an average width of about 80 yards. Meteorologist Ariel Cohen commented on the nature of the tornado, stating that while it was brief, it produced a damaging pattern consistent with weak tornado activity. “While brief, it was still damaging,” Cohen noted.
Residents’ Experiences
Others in the neighborhood also detailed their experiences during the storm. Cuba Garcia initially mistook the noise for someone hitting his home. Upon checking his security cameras, he realized that a metal canopy had been dislodged and flipped onto the roof of his house. His mother, Dalia Garcia, described her son’s confusion as he tried to explain the situation to her, emphasizing how unusual the event had been for them.
Property Damage
The tornado’s impact varied across the area. Various trees were uprooted, causing damage to vehicles and residential properties. For instance, a 75-foot pine tree fell onto Carlos Aguilar’s car, trapping it for several hours, while another branch crushed Jesus Velazquez’s vintage 1972 El Camino. Velazquez expressed his frustration about the situation, stating, “I’m just glad that we’re safe, but I have to go complain to City Hall about this.”
Community Response
City officials reported no injuries from the tornado. Steve Carmona, the city manager of Pico Rivera, confirmed that most of the damage occurred on Glencannon Drive and that they are actively assessing other trees for potential risks due to water saturation in the ground. “We’re definitely going throughout the area and identifying any trees that may be at risk and removing them,” Carmona stated.
Final Thoughts
As city crews cleared the streets of debris, residents reflected on the unusual nature of tornadoes in the area. Andre Garcia described the experience as hearing “loud noises, like it was a train passing by” combined with the flash of lightning. The tornado may have been categorized as low-grade, yet for the residents of Pico Rivera, the experience was one they will not soon forget.
Visual Documentation
Conclusion
As the community of Pico Rivera begins the recovery process, the event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the need for preparedness in all circumstances. Residents are left to repair their properties, and the city is focused on ensuring safety as environmental conditions remain a concern.
