On Christmas Day, an EF0 tornado touched down in Boyle Heights, according to officials from the National Weather Service (NWS). The tornado, which lasted for three minutes, was confirmed to have caused damage to businesses in the area as it produced winds reaching up to 80 miles per hour.
The incident occurred near the intersection of Lorena Street and Whittier Boulevard at approximately 10:10 a.m. The tornado’s path extended about a third of a mile with a width of 30 yards. NWS meteorologist Dr. Ariel Cohen explained that a strong atmospheric river had created conditions conducive for such weather phenomena, pulling energy across a broad area.
Footage captured during the storm illustrated the severity of the winds, tearing signs from a Boost Mobile store and damaging windows at a nearby Mexican food restaurant. The destruction led to significant disruptions for local residents and businesses during the holiday season.
In response to the damages, resources were made available to those affected. LA City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado expressed concern for families waking up to the storm’s aftermath, noting that the unusual weather event left homes and businesses with damaged roofs and shattered windows. Affected individuals were encouraged to reach out to Jurado’s office or call 311 for assistance.
Mayor Bass also assessed the aftermath and emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses in the wake of such an atypical storm. “We are going to do whatever we need to do to marshal those resources,” she stated, reflecting the city’s commitment to aid its community.
This tornado is not an isolated incident; it is among several tornadoes that have hit the Los Angeles area in recent years. An EF0 tornado previously impacted the Pico Rivera neighborhood in March 2025, and another tornado caused damage in a Ventura County mobile home park shortly before that.
Tornadoes are classified using the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which assesses the damage caused and the estimated wind speeds. EF0 tornadoes are characterized by winds between 65 and 85 miles per hour, while EF5 tornadoes reach wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour.
As the community comes together to recover, the hope remains that this event serves as a reminder of the need for preparedness in the face of unexpected weather challenges.