Freak Windstorm Ravishes City

By Thursday morning powerful winds reaching 70 mph had left a wake of destruction throughout Pasadena and nearby cities leaving thousands without power, hundreds of trees blocking streets and forcing the evacuations of over 40 residents. Fire officials said the winds also sparked several fires.
Pasadena Fire responded to wind-related fire incidents in the 100 block of Penn Street where a house fire resulted in four injuries; the 1200 block of Hudson Avenue where 40 residents were evacuated due a large tree falling into the structure; and the 900 block of Del Mar Boulevard where seven residents were evacuated due to a structure fire. The injured residents were transported to a nearby hospital.
As winds died down Thursday, city officials were able to assess the damage saying over 200 buildings in Pasadena were damaged by the storm. Pasadena Public Information Officer Ann Erdman also said 450 public street trees were down or damaged causing many streets to be blocked. At press time Friday almost all major streets were clear of debris.
Pasadena Water and Power officials said over 6,000 residents were without power early Thursday morning. Thousands were still without power by Friday. Pasadena Public Health Department officials advised residents to Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Keep potentially hazardous foods, such as meat or poultry, chilled to 41 degrees F. or less to prevent food-borne illness.
The Pasadena Humane Society activated all of its emergency services putting officers on standby.
PHS Spokeswoman Ricky Whitman said dogs and cats running stray pose a danger to themselves and to the public. The shelter has set up emergency kennels for animals lost in the storm. She added that PHS will care for lost animals and return them to their owners at no cost.
A local state of emergency was declared in Pasadena, and in nearby cities of South Pasadena, Alhambra, San Marino, Sierra Madre and Arcadia. A state of emergency was later declared for all of L.A. County.
As of Friday, there was no official estimate in Pasadena as to the cost associated with damage caused by the storm. Photo: Shell Station at San Gabriel and Colorado S.Henderson/MVNews