Storm With Strong Winds Hits Southland

A fast, violent storm passed through Southern California early Sunday, bringing high winds that uprooted trees, tore up roofs and snapped power lines, authorities said.

Some of the heaviest damage was reported in northwest Long Beach, where heavy winds ripped chunks of roof from at least seven homes. Two cars were hit by falling trees.

Power lines also fell, causing temporary outages to as many as 40,000 customers and starting several small fires. At Long Beach Harbor, four boats were tossed against rocks, damaging their hulls.

In Orange County, three Garden Grove homes had to be evacuated after winds of up to 50 mph caused substantial damage. Broken tree limbs and shattered glass lined the streets of many neighborhoods.

The turbulent weather, which hit about 4 a.m., was part of a cold front that dumped snow in the mountains and up to half an inch of rain in the valleys and coastal areas before moving on. Snow levels dropped to 3,000 feet.

By Sunday afternoon, the highest winds, blowing about 25 to 30 mph, were centered in the San Fernando Valley and just north of Los Angeles County.

While Southern California was lashed by wind and rain, two inches of snow fell on parts of Las Vegas, where temperatures measured just above 30. Winds created a blizzard, if only for a few minutes, in the gambling capital.

Forecasters said Southern California should remain dry for the next few days, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Santa Ana winds and warmer temperatures are predicted for midweek.