A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for parts of Los Angeles County Thursday morning, bringing with it the threat of damaging winds, quarter-sized hail, and even the potential for a tornado. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the alert at 10:42 a.m., specifically for areas including El Monte, Baldwin Park, Temple City, La Puente, and Irwindale, with the warning in effect until 11:15 a.m.
The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA reported that at 10:41 a.m., the severe thunderstorm was located near West Covina, moving northeast at 20 mph. Residents in the affected areas could expect hail measuring up to one inch, capable of causing damage to vehicles. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph were also anticipated, posing a risk of damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
Beyond the immediate hazards, the NWS urged residents to "Remain alert for a possible tornado!" reminding the public that tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. For protection, individuals spotting a tornado were advised to move at once into a basement or small central room within a sturdy structure, or an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
The storm also brought torrential rainfall, which the NWS warned could lead to flash flooding. Authorities emphasized the danger of driving through flooded roadways, a common hazard during intense downpours in our concrete-heavy landscape. For those needing to navigate the roads, updates on potential closures are available via CalTrans’ website, mobile app, or by calling 800-427-7623.
In situations of "considerable or catastrophic" hazards, emergency alerts are automatically sent to all enabled mobile phones in the affected areas. For lesser risks, residents are encouraged to sign up for county alert systems and monitor social media channels from local agencies.
For homeowners in areas prone to flooding, sandbags can offer a crucial line of defense. County fire departments often provide a limited supply of free sandbags to residents of nearby communities, typically requiring proof of residency and advising people to bring their own shovel for filling. Alternatively, sand and sandbags are available for purchase at many home improvement and hardware stores across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. The City of Seal Beach even provides a how-to video for proper sandbag filling techniques.
Beyond the immediate storm, the NWS also provided general guidance on staying safe during thunderstorms. Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, primarily during the summer months, and accounts for about 20 fatalities annually. The risk of lightning-related incidents peaks when a storm is directly overhead, gradually receding as it moves away. If caught outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, the NWS recommends taking specific steps to maximize personal safety. Preparedness and vigilance are highlighted as the best allies against lightning threats.
Navigating heavy rain on Southern California roads requires its own set of precautions. The NWS advises against parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can become a serious risk. When driving, maintaining a safe following distance is critical; the standard two-second rule should be extended to four seconds in heavy rain to account for reduced traction and braking effectiveness. Drivers should reduce speed gradually by taking their foot off the accelerator rather than braking suddenly, which can cause skidding.
On multi-lane roads, sticking to the middle lanes can help minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water often accumulates in outer lanes. Activating headlights significantly enhances visibility, and drivers should be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, which can be obscured by rain-smeared windows. The initial half-hour of rainfall is especially hazardous as roads become slick with a mixture of water, grime, and oil.
Furthermore, keeping a safe distance from large vehicles like trucks and buses is important, as their tire spray can drastically reduce visibility. If heavy rain severely limits sight, drivers should pull over to a safe location such as a rest area, or if necessary, as far off the roadside as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail. In such situations, headlights should remain on and emergency flashers activated to alert other drivers. Staying informed about weather conditions and heeding local authorities’ advice remains essential for safe travel during heavy rain.
