The roof of a Montebello business was blown off Wednesday by what the National Weather Service described as a small tornado during another day of severe weather in Southern California.
Debris from the roof was scattered in a parking lot and on the streets around the building. Several vehicles were damaged by flying debris.
Video from a witness showed debris moving in a rotating pattern over the building, identified by signs as the Royal Paper Box Company.
A small tornado tore off the roof of a Montebello business and caused damage to nearby parked cars. As seen by NBC4 News on March 22, 2023.
There were no immediate reports of injuries. Workers were evacuated from the building.
“It felt like someone was hitting the wall with iron bars,” a witness told NBCLA. “I saw debris flying, trees falling. Even our wrought iron gate was destroyed. I’m just thankful no one was hurt.”
The cell that produced the severe conditions moved northeast, but appeared to weaken as it moved through Covina, Glendora and other communities. The system will likely produce rain and hail as it moves into the foothills and mountains.
The damaging winds followed a day of severe weather that included a tornado warning Tuesday night for central Ventura County and southwest Los Angeles County. The system is expected to move in late Wednesday, but not before another wave of scattered showers.
In Carpinteria, the Weather Service is investigating whether a landspout tornado caused damage to a mobile home park in the Santa Barbara County community.
Tornadoes are rare, but not so much in Southern California.
Tuesday’s warning was issued 40 years to the month after a tornado packing winds between 113 and 157 mph swept through neighborhoods south of downtown Los Angeles, destroying homes and businesses, flipping of cars, throwing debris and tearing part of the roof off the LA Convention Center. Nine people died. More than 150 buildings were damaged or destroyed. More than 30 people were injured.
When a tornado warning is issued, anyone in the warning area is advised to move to a basement — if you have one — or indoors on the lowest floor of a building. Stay away from windows.
If you are outdoors or in a mobile home or car, it is best to seek more shelter and protection from flying debris.
