East-Central LA County Faces Tornado Warning
A strong storm system has prompted a tornado warning for a small area in east-central Los Angeles County. This weather event is part of a larger pattern affecting Southern California, particularly as a significant atmospheric river brings heavy rain to the region.
Tornado Warning in East-Central LA County
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for communities including Alhambra, Pasadena, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, El Monte, and Temple City. This warning was active until around 10:40 a.m. before being canceled. However, residents are still advised to be cautious, as damaging winds remain a concern.
Severe Weather Alerts and Impact
Alongside the tornado warning, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is still in effect. This storm has affected thousands of residents across Southern California, leading to widespread power outages.
- The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reported that numerous customers are experiencing outages.
- Major outages are concentrated in the San Fernando Valley and West L.A. areas.
- Southern California Edison has also reported outages, albeit affecting fewer customers in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Storm Preparedness and Rainfall Statistics
California is actively working to capture the rainfall from this storm. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has indicated that recent storms have effectively generated enough water to supply tens of thousands of households in Los Angeles alone. Currently, Lake Oroville is at 54% capacity, indicating that reservoirs still have the ability to store the incoming rain.
Historical Context of Rain on Christmas
Typically, Southern California enjoys dry weather during Christmas. According to recent analyses, it has rained only 46 times on Christmas Day since 1892, representing about 34% of the time over the past 125 years. The last significant rain event occurred in 2017, where nearly one inch fell on Christmas Day in Los Angeles.
This year’s storm may lead to one of the wettest Christmas holidays in recent history, illustrating the unpredictable nature of weather patterns in the region.
