PHOTO: Janice Hahn @SupJaniceHahn LA County Supervisor, Fourth District. Chair of the LA Metro Board of Directors. | Pico Rivera tornado confirmed early morning Thursday March,13, 2025.
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In a startling and rare event for Southern California, NOAA officials on the ground in Pico Rivera have confirmed that a tornado touched down in the early hours of Thursday March 13, 2025.
The twister hit around 3:15 a.m. PDT, ripping through approximately four blocks of a residential neighborhood and leaving a path of destruction. As the National Weather Service (NWS) and NOAA continue to assess the damage and determine the tornado’s strength, the community is grappling with the aftermath of this unusual weather event.
UPDATED: NOAA SoCal
“CONFIRMED EF0 tornado occurred in Pico Rivera, CA (just W of the 605 fwy & Whittier Blvd) between 3am and 4am today. Preliminary details: wind speed 85 mph, length 1 mile, width 80 yards, duration 2 minutes. Exterior damage to homes and cars, multiple snapped trees”
A Rare Phenomenon in California
Tornadoes are an uncommon sight in California, where the state’s climate and terrain typically prevent such extreme weather. However, this tornado emerged from a powerful winter storm sweeping across Southern California, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and the potential for flash flooding. The storm system had been under close watch by meteorologists, who noted the rare conditions conducive to tornado formation. The confirmation of a touchdown in Pico Rivera has underscored the unpredictability of this weather event.
Destruction Across Four Blocks of the Neighborhood
The tornado carved a destructive path through neighborhoods including Loch Avon Drive, Holbrook Street, and Glencannon Drive, between Passons Boulevard and Pico Vista Road. Early reports detail significant damage across the affected four-block area:
- Uprooted Trees and Power Lines: Large trees were toppled, some crashing onto homes and vehicles, while power lines were downed, cutting electricity to parts of the neighborhood.
- Vehicle Damage: Resident Juan Valencia described the chaos, saying, “A tree fell on our family’s car, smashing the hood and breaking the windshield. It was terrifying, but we’re grateful no one was hurt.”
- Infrastructure Disruption: A water main break on the 9500 block of Glencannon Drive compounded the challenges faced by emergency responders.
Remarkably, no injuries have been reported, a point emphasized by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who noted on social media, “Thankfully, LASD deputies have told me no one was injured.”
Ongoing Assessment by NOAA
NOAA officials are actively assessing the damage alongside the NWS to determine the tornado’s rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which gauges tornado intensity from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest) based on the severity of destruction. While the rating remains pending, the scale of the damage across four blocks suggests a significant event. The investigation is ongoing, with officials expected to release further details as their analysis progresses.
Community and Official Response
City crews in Pico Rivera sprang into action following the tornado, clearing debris from streets and working to restore normalcy. Southern California Edison is assisting with efforts to repair downed power lines and bring power back to affected homes. Local authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and adhere to any safety directives as the broader storm continues to impact the region.
Strong SoCal Storm Pushing Though the Region
The tornado was a product of a massive winter storm fueled by an atmospheric river, which has drenched Southern California with up to four inches of rain in some areas. The storm has also brought mountain snow, gusty winds, and heightened risks of flash flooding and debris flows, particularly in areas scarred by recent wildfires. Major highways, such as Highway 5 near the Grapevine, have faced disruptions due to the storm’s intensity.
A Resilient Community – Emergency Crews On-Scene
Despite the destruction, the Pico Rivera community is showing strength and solidarity. Neighbors are supporting one another, and social media is filled with accounts of the event, reflecting both shock and relief at the lack of injuries. The rarity of this tornado—following another notable event in Oxnard in February 2025—has left residents and officials alike reevaluating the region’s vulnerability to such phenomena.
Safety Reminders
As the storm persists, authorities are encouraging residents to stay informed through official updates and remain vigilant. The NWS will provide further information on the tornado’s rating and the storm’s progression as it becomes available.
This is a developing story, and The South Pasadenan will continue to monitor updates from NOAA, the NWS, and local officials.
Key Details at a Glance:
Around 3:15 a.m. PDT, March 13, 2025
Pico Rivera, CA, affecting ~4 blocks (e.g., Loch Avon Dr, Glencannon Dr)
Uprooted trees, damaged cars, downed power lines, water main break
On-site, assessing damage; tornado strength rating pending
Crews clearing debris, SCE restoring power
Part of a winter storm with heavy rain, winds, and flood risks
For the latest updates, visit NWS Los Angeles or follow local authority announcements.
