Introduction to the Tornado Incident
A weak tornado briefly touched down in Pico Rivera early Thursday morning, March 13, ripping out trees and downing power lines amid a strong storm, authorities said.
Classification and Impact of the Tornado
The tornado was classified as an EF-0, the lowest rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, said Devin Black, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service.
Wind speeds reached 85 mph, Black said, with the Weather Service reporting exterior damage to homes and cars and snapped trees.
Details of the Damage
Storm brings downed wires, debris flows — and even a weak tornado
The downed power lines were reported near Holbrook Street and Passons Boulevard, said Jonathan Torres, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which responded.
The tornado struck before 4 a.m. just west of the 605 Freeway and Whittier Boulevard, according to the NWS, and had a width of about 80 yards.
Photos posted by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office showed multiple uprooted trees, at least one landing on an SUV parked on the street.
No injuries had been reported.
Affected Areas and Response
The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the incident, with reports of downed power lines and debris in the area.
The community is advised to be cautious and to report any further damage or hazards to the authorities.
Conclusion
The weak tornado that touched down in Pico Rivera caused significant damage to homes, cars, and trees, with downed power lines and debris reported in the area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the community is working to recover from the incident.
FAQs
Q: What type of tornado touched down in Pico Rivera?
A: The tornado was classified as an EF-0, the lowest rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
Q: What was the wind speed of the tornado?
A: Wind speeds reached 85 mph.
Q: Were there any injuries reported?
A: No injuries had been reported.
Q: What areas were affected by the tornado?
A: The tornado struck just west of the 605 Freeway and Whittier Boulevard, with downed power lines reported near Holbrook Street and Passons Boulevard.
Q: When did the tornado occur?
A: Originally Published: March 13, 2025 at 9:06 AM PDT
