Tornado Strikes Los Angeles on Christmas Day

A tornado struck Los Angeles on Christmas Day, as confirmed by the National Weather Service. This brief tornado, classified as an EF-0, had maximum wind speeds reaching 80 mph. It touched down in Boyle Heights just after 10 a.m., traveling approximately a third of a mile.

Details of the Tornado Incident

The tornado caused damage to residential and commercial properties. It first impacted a home on Lee Street, where significant roof damage allowed rainwater to enter. Following this, it hit a strip mall at the intersection of Whittier Boulevard and South Lorena Street, shattering windows and bending utility poles.

Reported Damage

• Roof damage to a residence on Lee Street
• Broken windows and tree branches at a strip mall
• Bent utility poles and destroyed business signs
• Additional damage observed to homes and fences nearby

Residents described the tornado’s intense roar, recalling that “the house was shaking.” The tornado dissipated by 10:12 a.m. on the same day.

Mayor’s Response

On Friday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass visited the affected neighborhood. She emphasized her commitment to the safety of residents, highlighting the tornado occurrence amid ongoing wet weather conditions.

Impact of the Christmas Storm

The tornado was part of a larger weather event known as the Pineapple Express storm. This storm brought record rainfall to Southern California during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, causing widespread flooding and hazardous conditions.

Other Storm-Related Incidents

As the storm progressed, various severe incidents were reported across the region:

• A large boulder fell onto Highway 18, causing a vehicle collision that injured five people.
• At Mammoth Mountain, two ski patrollers were injured during avalanche mitigation work.
• Authorities reported the discovery of a body in a submerged vehicle in the Lancaster area.

Emergency Declarations

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared emergencies across multiple counties, including Los Angeles and San Diego, to address the extensive damage resulting from the storm.

Tornadoes in California

While tornadoes are rare in California, they have been documented. The recent EF-0 tornado is the latest in a series of tornado incidents that have occurred in the state. Notably, a significant tornado in 2023 reached winds of 110 mph, marking the strongest event in L.A. County in four decades.

Historical Context

• In 1983, an EF-2 tornado in South Los Angeles resulted in 25 injuries and significant property damage.
• Earlier tornadoes last season included one that injured three people in Scotts Valley.

These events illustrate the unexpected nature of severe weather phenomena in California, underscoring the challenges posed by climate variability in the state.