An electrical pole fell onto an occupied car on Santa Rosa Ave. in northwest Pasadena at 10:44 p.m. in what was likely the most harrowing wind damage incident reported when an overnight windstorm raked the city Friday night and Saturday morning.
The car’s occupant was not injured, according to a city official.
Spokesperson Lisa Derderian urged caution Saturday morning when residents venture out to inspect wind damage. A number of live electrical wires were found overnight.
“Be aware of debris,” Derderian said. “Wear sturdy shoes and heavy gloves when clearing debris and be cautious walking and driving until streets and private properties are cleared.”
Derderian said extra PWP personnel worked all night. She said the Dept. anticipated wind issues and was prepared with additional staffing.
Pasadena Water & Power Public Information Coordinator Amanda Gadbow said “last night’s wind event caused several incidents including downed poles, downed and broken electrical wires, and damage caused by fallen tree branches.”
“PWP dispatch and crews worked throughout the night to protect the public’s safety, restore outages, and address water issues. ”
Gadbow said Saturday morning crews were continuing to work at restoring power, in many cases working closely with the City’s Public Works Department to clear tree limbs and debris from power lines. Additional crews have been deployed.
Pasadena police and firefighters scrambled throughout the night responding to hazardous conditions.
“It was a busy night,” said police Sgt. Brian Bulaon.
“We were just going call to call to wind damage all throughout the city. Damage to their houses, to their cars. And then we had cables and wires down.”
Pasadena Fire Department units responded to over 22 calls for service related to the high winds, Derderian reported, mostly in the northern parts of the city where the winds seemed strongest.
Derderian said that as the sun rises and residents inspect their property, more calls reporting damage are expected.
“Only call 911 if imminent danger (downed wires, person trapped in vehicle, etc.) otherwise call our Citizen Service Center 744-7311,” she said.
Early Saturday morning, Pasadena Water and Power reported seven continuing power outages affecting 190 residents. Restoration times were not available as of 5 a.m.
Winds are expected to continue in Pasadena on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
The NWS upgraded its high wind warning for the San Gabriel Valley until 3 p.m. Saturday, saying the strongest winds will be focused tonight near the foothills along the Interstate 210 corridor. NWS forecasters said they expect wind damage and power outages to occur.
A dust advisory is in effect Saturday throughout the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the SCAQMD announced.
The advisory, issued Friday, will be in effect through noon Sunday, and will affect all those in the South Coast Air Basin, which includes Pasadena.
2 thoughts on “High Winds Wreak Havoc Throughout Pasadena, No Serious Injuries Reported”
The article headline notes there were no injuries, but the article itself notes a woman was injured when a huge tree, shown in a photo, crashed into a house.
Thank you. The story was developed over hours and the photo came in last. The woman sustained minor injuries. The headline has been corrected.