The powerful Santa Ana winds have made a fierce return to Southern California, leaving a trail of debris and property damage in their wake. Late Sunday night, a massive tree was uprooted and came crashing down in a Simi Valley neighborhood. The incident, which occurred around 9 o'clock in the evening, sent shockwaves through a local mobile home park as the community braced for the peak of the wind event.
📍 Near Miss on Los Angeles Avenue
The fallen tree was located near the intersection of Los Angeles Avenue and Rory Lane. Surveillance footage from the area shows the moment the intense gusts finally overcame the tree's roots, causing it to lean and eventually collapse toward a nearby mobile home. Residents reported hearing a loud crack followed by a heavy thud that shook the ground in the immediate area.
Miraculously, the tree did not strike the mobile home itself. While the branches came dangerously close to the structure, the main trunk fell just short of the residence. No injuries were reported, and the occupants of the home were able to remain inside. However, the tree did not fall without causing some damage, as it completely crushed a section of the perimeter fence and blocked a portion of the sidewalk.
💨 Gusts Reach Dangerous Levels
This incident highlights the power of the recent wind advisory issued for Ventura County. Meteorologists reported that wind gusts in the Simi Valley foothills reached speeds of over 50 miles per hour on Sunday night. These offshore winds, known for being hot and dry, create significant hazards for older trees and power lines, especially in areas where the soil may be loose or uneven.
Public works crews were dispatched to the scene on Los Angeles Avenue early Monday morning to begin the process of chopping up the tree and clearing the debris. The city is urging residents to be extremely cautious when walking or parking near large trees during these wind events. With more wind expected through the middle of the week, the risk of falling branches and further uprootings remains high across the valley.
🛡️ Safety Reminders for Residents
The Ventura County Fire Department is reminding the public to secure any loose outdoor items like patio furniture or umbrellas that could become airborne. They also advise residents to stay away from any downed power lines and report them immediately to Southern California Edison. While this specific mobile home was spared from major damage, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly the weather can turn dangerous in the canyons and valleys of Simi Valley.