Introduction to the Storm
The San Gabriel Valley experienced a severe storm that brought heavy rainfall, causing widespread damage and disruptions. City crews worked tirelessly to remove a large fallen oak tree in Altadena that smashed into a vehicle, while sinkholes appeared in South Pasadena, making roads undrivable.
The Fallen Oak Tree
A giant oak tree came crashing down onto a parked car around 3 p.m. on Meadowbrook Road near Allen Avenue, where the saturated ground could no longer anchor the massive tree. The incident occurred when the saturated ground could no longer hold the tree in place, causing it to fall onto a rental car.
"We just heard an unnatural noise, like just a big bang," said Jim Jermonak, who was visiting the Altadena area for work. Jermonak was shocked when he realized the tree had fallen on top of his rental car. "And I walked out and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I couldn’t believe it, I couldn’t believe it, because it wasn’t raining that hard, it wasn’t raining that hard here at the time, so God knows what caused this giant 150-year-old oak tree to fall down," said Jermonak.
Impact on the Community
Neighbors were saddened to see the oak tree topple over because it had helped shield homes during the Eaton Fire. The steady rainfall and wind in Altadena were enough to topple the large oak tree along a residential street. "These trees eat embers for breakfast, and they protected a lot of homes while the Eaton Fire was going through. Unfortunately, when they are planted inside these planters, right in between the sidewalk and the street, they tend to fall when we get wind or heavy rain like this, that made the tree lopsided," said Edgar McGregor, an LA County Parks and Recreation Meteorologist.
Sinkholes in South Pasadena
In South Pasadena, the heavy rain caused sinkholes along Edgewood Drive. "I couldn’t drive forward, I couldn’t drive backwards and so I got out of the car and realized that the rear of my car was in a big sinkhole and my wheels were six inches below the level of the street. So I was stuck," said one driver. The gaping holes made the road undrivable, prompting officials to close it for repairs.
Current Situation and Precautions
As of Saturday night, all evacuation orders and warnings in the area were lifted, LA County officials announced. Even though the bulk of the storm passed, officials are still warning people to be alert because the ground remains heavily saturated, which could still trigger mudslides, especially in the burn scar areas.
Conclusion
The heavy rainfall in the San Gabriel Valley caused significant damage, including downed trees and sinkholes. The community is advised to remain cautious and alert, as the saturated ground can still trigger mudslides and other hazards. It is essential to follow the instructions of local authorities and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
FAQs
Q: What caused the oak tree to fall in Altadena?
A: The saturated ground could no longer anchor the massive tree, causing it to fall onto a parked car.
Q: Are there any evacuation orders in place?
A: As of Saturday night, all evacuation orders and warnings in the area were lifted, but officials are still warning people to be alert.
Q: What should I do if I encounter a sinkhole?
A: If you encounter a sinkhole, do not attempt to drive through it. Instead, get out of your vehicle and seek assistance from local authorities.
Q: Are mudslides still a concern?
A: Yes, mudslides are still a concern, especially in burn scar areas, due to the heavily saturated ground.
