Unusual Twisters: Tornadoes in California
California, known for its sunny beaches and Hollywood glam, isn't a place you'd typically associate with tornadoes. But guess what? They do happen there! In fact, just last Christmas, a tornado whipped through Los Angeles, causing quite a stir.
The Christmas Tornado
This wasn't a massive, mile-wide twister like the ones you might see in the Midwest. No, this was a smaller, EF-0 tornado, the weakest kind on the Enhanced Fujita scale. It only traveled about a third of a mile, but it still managed to cause some damage.
- Damage Report:
- Damaged a home on Lee Street, ripping off part of the roof and letting rainwater seep inside.
- Moved on to a strip mall, breaking windows, bending a utility pole, and destroying some business signs.
Residents' Reports
Residents nearby described the storm as roaring and shaking their houses. It's not something you'd expect to hear about in sunny California, right? But it's not the first time tornadoes have hit the state.
Recent Tornadoes in California
2022 Tornado in Scotts Valley
- Duration: About five minutes
- Wind Speeds: Peaked at 90 mph
- Damage:
- Overturned vehicles
- Damaged street signs
- Downed trees and power poles
- Injured three people
February Tornado in Oxnard
- Damage:
- Tore roofs off mobile homes
- Ripped power cables to the ground
March Tornado in Pico Rivera
- Damage:
- Uprooted trees, sending them crashing into vehicles and homes
The Strongest Tornado in 40 Years
The strongest tornado to hit L.A. County in 40 years was in 2023. It was an EF-1, with winds of 110 mph.
- Damage:
- Damaged 17 buildings
- Injured one person
- Historical Context: The last time a tornado this strong hit L.A. County was back in 1983. That one injured 25 people and destroyed 37 homes.
Stay Informed and Prepared
So, while California might not be Tornado Alley, it's not completely safe from these twisters either. It's always important to stay informed and prepared, no matter where you live.
