Storm Overview

A significant storm continued to wreak havoc across Southern California on Thursday morning, leading to evacuation alerts and raising concerns about mudslides, heavy snowfall in mountain areas, and even tornado activity.

Weather Warnings in Effect

As the storm progressed, multiple flood and severe thunderstorm warnings, alongside winter weather advisories, were issued, particularly for mountainous regions. Heavy precipitation patterns were expected to persist throughout the day.

Tornado Activity in Pico Rivera

Early Thursday, a tornado was reported in Pico Rivera with wind speeds reaching 85 mph. This tornado traveled approximately one mile through a residential area, snapping trees and damaging vehicles and homes. Fortunately, no injuries were recorded. The tornado was rated at the lowest level on the Enhanced Fujita Scale by the National Weather Service, highlighting its damaging nature despite its brief duration.

“While brief, it was still damaging,” noted Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

Impact on Local Communities

Residents in Pico Rivera were awakened by the sound of falling trees and intense winds. Several neighborhoods, particularly along Glencannon Drive, experienced notable destruction. One resident, Edgar Reynoso, described hearing a loud noise before discovering a fallen wall in his yard, while Carlos Aguilar found a large pine tree had narrowly missed his home.

Mountain Snow and Power Outages

In the mountainous regions surrounding Los Angeles, snowfall accumulated significantly. Reports indicated that some ski resorts received between 10 to 13 inches of snow. This heavy snowfall resulted in school closures and power outages in the San Bernardino area.

“It’s safe to say this storm was the biggest snowmaker,” Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, stated regarding the winter systems experienced in the region.

Evacuations and Safety Measures

Authorities issued evacuation warnings in several communities, particularly near burn scar regions due to heightened risks from potential mudslides and flooding. Areas under evacuation warnings included parts of Los Angeles near the Eaton and Palisades fire scars, as well as coastal regions in Malibu.

There were also mandatory evacuations in Sierra Madre for homes situated below debris basins. Residents were urged to remain alert as rain was expected to continue into the afternoon.

Rainfall Totals and Continued Alerts

Accumulated rain totals from the storm have been substantial, with areas like Beverly Hills measuring 1.25 inches and downtown Los Angeles recording 1.19 inches. Higher elevations saw even greater amounts, contributing to ongoing risks for local communities.