Strong winds blow roof off Boyle Heights home during storm
From muddy mountains to flooded streets, a Christmas week storm caused hundreds of traffic accidents and severe damage, even ripping off the roof of a home.
Violent winds whipped through a neighborhood in Boyle Heights.
"It blew like, if it was a tornado coming through our neighborhood," neighbor Carlos said.
Video captured the dramatic moments when a roof blew off a home, sending debris spiraling through the air.
It was an unwelcome surprise on Christmas morning.
"We were inside the house, and we were just watching movies, and we hear this big gust of wind, like hitting our window. And then all of a sudden, we look outside, and the roof of the neighbor's is just flying all over the place," Mauricio Mendez said.
It was one of many dramatic scenes across the Southland as the rain moved through.
In Altadena, the storm left behind a muddy mess.
Parts of the L.A. River transformed into rushing rapids.
First responders were hard at work through the holidays.
Los Angeles police responded to more than 350 traffic accidents. City crews received more than 600 tree emergencies, including downed trees and fallen branches.
The fire department deployed teams to three river rescues.
Back in Boyle Heights, neighbors and family members said they were thankful nobody was hurt.
"I'm really thankful. Especially on the holidays," Carmen Mendez said.
The neighbors came together to clean up, marking a Christmas they will never forget.
