Rare EF-0 Tornado Strikes Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, on Christmas Morning Amid Pineapple Express Storm

Rare Christmas Day Tornado Confirmed in Boyle Heights

A rare EF-0 tornado struck the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles on Christmas morning, December 25, 2025, causing damage to residential and commercial properties. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado's touchdown, which occurred around 10:10 a.m. and lasted approximately three minutes. This unusual weather event was part of a larger, destructive Pineapple Express atmospheric river storm system impacting Southern California.

Damage Assessment and Path of Destruction

The EF-0 tornado, the lowest classification on the Enhanced Fujita scale, generated wind speeds of up to 80 mph. Its path extended for about one-third of a mile (or a quarter-mile) and was approximately 30 yards wide, affecting areas near Whittier Boulevard and Lorena Street, and Lee Street.

The tornado caused significant localized damage:

• Residential Properties: Homes on Lee Street experienced damaged roofs and rainwater leaks. Residents like Susan Orozco and Francisco Gonzalez reported roof damage and scattered roofing materials.
• Commercial Strip Mall: A strip mall at the northeast corner of Whittier Boulevard and South Lorena Street sustained considerable damage. This included shattered windows at two restaurants, a bent utility pole, and destroyed business signs for establishments such as Boost Mobile, a smoke shop, Lena Pharmacy, Yum Yum Donuts, and Super Polos Rust Dazados.
• Infrastructure and Environment: A large tree was uprooted near Ruben Salazar Park, believed to be the tornado's initial touchdown point, and moderate-sized tree branches were scattered. Metal chain link fences and power poles also suffered damage.

Despite the property damage, authorities confirmed that no injuries were directly caused by the tornado.

Context of the Pineapple Express Storm

The tornado's occurrence was linked by NWS meteorologist Dr. Ariel Cohen to the powerful atmospheric river, known as the Pineapple Express, which brought record amounts of rain and severe weather to Southern California. This storm system led to widespread flash flood warnings, mudslides, and power outages across the region, and was described as one of the worst Christmas storms in recent memory. The broader storm system was responsible for the deaths of four Californians and other injuries in separate incidents.

Official Response and Community Support

Following the event, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass toured the damaged neighborhood, emphasizing that 'The safety of every Angeleno is my top priority.' Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who represents Boyle Heights, stated that her team was working to secure city funds to assist affected residents and business owners, urging those impacted to contact her office or 311 for assistance. Resources were promptly made available to the community to aid in recovery efforts.