In recent months, California has faced an unrelenting series of natural disasters, culminating in a rare and destructive tornado that hit Los Angeles last Thursday. The shocking event, which left residents shaken, is yet another burden on a state already struggling with natural disasters, including devastating wildfires, floods, and snowstorms. As Californians grapple with these calamities, some observers are asking what could be next for the Golden State.
The Tornado’s Impact
The rare tornado touched down in Pico Rivera, a neighborhood 11 miles outside of downtown Los Angeles, around 3:15 AM. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that the tornado lasted two minutes and had wind speeds as strong as 85 miles per hour. The destruction spanned four blocks surrounding Glencannon Drive and Church Street, with fallen trees and power lines disrupting the region.
Scenes of Destruction
Residents woke to scenes of destruction, with uprooted trees scattered across cars and lawns and debris strewn across streets. At least a dozen trees were reported to have fallen on cars and properties. Despite the mayhem, the destruction of homes was minimal compared to other natural disasters that have plagued California of late.
Residents React
Local residents have recounted their harrowing experiences during the tornado. Edgar Reynoso said he heard a noise “like a big old bomb” as a brick wall collapsed in his backyard. Another resident, Cuba Garcia, thought that someone was hitting his house, but he later learned that strong winds had sent a metal canopy flying onto his roof. They both were shocked to experience such an unconventional weather event in their area.
Comparing Tornadoes to Other Disasters
Tornadoes represent an entirely different kind of threat for many Californians who are accustomed to coping with earthquakes and wildfires. Garcia noted that while earthquakes are familiar challenges, tornadoes felt foreign and terrifying. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this extreme weather event.
A Larger Storm System
The tornado was part of a larger Pacific storm system that hit Southern California with heavy rain, flooding, and powerful wind. According to Meteorologist Ariel Cohen, this system resulted in widespread impacts across coastal areas, including minor street flooding and hail.
Enhanced Tornado Frequencies in LA Basin
While tornadoes are uncommon in California, the NWS noted that areas surrounding the Los Angeles basin see a heightened occurrence of them. Meteorologist Cohen said this local pattern is similar to tornado activity in certain sections of the Midwest United States.
Wildfire’s Aftermath Compounds Difficulties
The tornado struck only weeks after California endured two of its deadliest wildfires, the Palisades and Eaton fires. These fires burned nearly 60,000 acres and claimed 29 lives. They destroyed over 16,000 structures and caused an estimated $250 billion in damages. The fires burned areas that contributed to debris flows during subsequent storms.
Flooding and Snowstorms Add to Chaos
Torrential rains accompanying the storm system led to minor flooding throughout Southern California, closing some roadways from Santa Barbara County down through Orange County. In mountainous areas like San Bernardino and Riverside counties, snowfall reached up to 18 inches in some spots, leading to school closures and power outages.
Meteorologists Assess Tornado Strength
The NWS classified the Pico Rivera tornado as an EF0—the lowest rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale—based on its wind speeds and damage assessment. Despite being on the upper end of the scale, its impact was significant for residents not used to such an event.
Warnings Persist Across Southern California
Severe weather alerts were still in effect as heavy precipitation spread over the region. Bands of rain unleashed further hazards, such as hail and debris flows, in areas previously impacted by wildfires.
Work Crews Respond
In Pico Rivera, work crews hastily worked to remove fallen trees and debris from impacted streets such as Glencannon Drive. Residents were also dealing with damage to their properties while preparing for future possible storms.
The Morning After
By Thursday morning, the worst of the storm had passed through Los Angeles County, though meteorologists warned residents in surrounding areas, like San Bernardino and Orange counties, to remain vigilant. Showers and thunderstorms persisted throughout the day.
What’s Next for California?
As California continues to endure one disaster after another — from wildfires to floods to, and now, tornadoes — residents of the Golden State are uncertain of what’s next. As climate change amplifies weather patterns worldwide, experts believe such extreme events could become more and more common for the Golden State.
