SGV spared major damage overnight; massive clean-up efforts continue

The San Gabriel Valley was spared damaging winds overnight, however the massive clean-up effort from the aftermath of the previous night’s violent wind storm continues, and more than 140,000 area residents remain without electricity, authorities said.
About 140,000 Southern California Edison customer remained in the dark Friday morning, compared with a peak of about 230,000 Thursday, SCE officials said. Officials asked the public’s patience as utility workers incrementally restored service to neighborhoods.
In Pasadena, which was hit hardest by the wind, “Fortunately, it was very calm overnight, which gave us an opportunity to get a lot accomplished restoring infrastructure,” Pasadena Fire Department spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said.
Despite the decrease in wind speeds, Derderian warned area residents to stay alert as faster-than-usual winds are predicted through the weekend.
Some trees, structures or power poles may have been weakened by the previous wind storm, and won’t require a lot of additional pushing to topple, she said.
“If there are further winds they may not be as bad, but they could be just as damaging if there’s already structural damage,” Derderian said.
Less than 1,000 Pasadena Water and Power customers were still in the dark Friday morning, officials said.
The majority of Pasadena’s major roadways had been cleared and opened, however some issues remained, such as a large tree blocking westbound Sierra Madre Boulevard at Sierra Madre Villa, according to Derderian.
Officials continued to clear debris from many of Pasadena’s smaller streets, Derderian said.
“Use extreme caution when driving,” she said.
“At this point, they’re just moving debris to the side,” Derderian added. “Then we’ll develop a debris removal plan.”
A Red-Flag warning remained in effect in Pasadena, restricting parking on narrow streets and foothill roads, authorities said, and the city remained in a state of emergency.
Officials advised residents in affected areas to check on their emergency supplies, as well as vulnerable neighbors and relatives.
Additionally, Derderian said officials were concerned about the large number of people seen up on ladders or on the roofs of their homes, clearing debris or making repairs themselves.
“Please leave that to the professionals,” she said. If there is an imminent danger, residents should call 9-1-1.
In Arcadia, which was also slammed hard by the Santa Ana wind event, “city crews and contracts are continuing to work hard to clear roadways,” Arcadia police Lt. Tom Leveque said in a written statement.
Road closures that remained in effect in Arcadia Friday morning included: westbound Colorado Street at Santa Anita Avenue; westbound Camino Real Avenue at El Monte Avenue; Longden Avenue between El Monte Avenue and Holly Avenue; Colorado Place between Colorado Boulevard and Huntington Drive; the 200 block of West Leroy Street; and the 1100 block of South 5th Avenue.
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