One killed, cars crushed as Santa Ana winds knock down tree in L.A.

"One person was killed by a falling tree in Winnetka on Friday afternoon as fearsome Santa Ana winds whipped through a weather-weary region. The large tree smashed two vehicles in the 7300 block of Mason Avenue, crushing one of the occupants, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Paramedics responded to the scene shortly before 3:30 p.m. and pronounced the victim dead. Helicopter footage captured by KTLA showed crews removing the driver's side door to extricate the body from a Nissan SUV."

"Hours before the tree fell, the National Weather Service had issued a warning that gusty winds were expected to continue in Los Angeles through Saturday afternoon. "After the recent rains have soaked the soil across much of SoCal, trees are more likely to be knocked down by winds," the weather service stated. "Secure any outdoor objects and avoid parking under trees during this wind event." A wind advisory has been issued for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties from 10 p.m. Friday to 2 p.m. Saturday."

A falling tree struck two vehicles in the 7300 block of Mason Avenue in Winnetka, crushing an occupant and killing one person. Paramedics arrived shortly before 3:30 p.m. and pronounced the victim dead. Crews used helicopter-assisted footage to remove the driver’s side door and extricate the body from a Nissan SUV. Roads near Mason Avenue and Valerio Street were closed while crews worked to clear the massive tree. The National Weather Service warned of gusty Santa Ana winds through Saturday, noted saturated soil increases tree-fall risk, and issued a wind advisory for Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Read at Los Angeles Times