A motorcyclist in Pasadena rode by a tree knocked down by heavy winds.
Every year, in late fall or early winter, the Santa Ana winds blow across Southern California. These hot, dry winds form over the deserts of southeastern California and blow westward across the state. Typically, the Santa Ana winds have average speeds of about 40 miles per hour. In 2011, however, the winds were unusually strong. At times, they reached hurricane strength, which is 74 miles per hour or higher.
In early December, the Santa Ana winds swept through Los Angeles County and neighboring areas. It was probably Southern California’s worst windstorm in 10 years. The powerful winds caused widespread damage and left more than 200,000 people without electricity. Along the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the National Weather Service measured wind gusts of up to 140 miles per hour — the strength of a Category 4 hurricane.
The San Gabriel Valley was hit with wind gusts as strong as 100 miles per hour. Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Temple City, and other valley communities suffered major damage. Winds knocked down utility poles and many of the oldest, largest trees. Police officers and firefighters reported that streets across Pasadena were covered with fallen trees and tree branches. About 6,000 people were without power and all public schools and libraries were closed.
The storm damaged many Pasadena homes. An apartment building flooded after a tree fell and broke a water main. Sixty residents had to be driven to an American Red Cross shelter. A NASA engineer was trapped inside his home when a tree smashed its roof and buckled its walls. He finally escaped through the house’s crawlspace. Although this storm has passed, residents of Southern California are concerned that there could be more to come this season.
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