Sunday, November 16, 2025

Coast Live Oak Crushes Car in Altadena During Saturday Storm; No Injuries Reported

A towering coast live oak tree fell during Saturday’s atmospheric river storm and crushed a white Toyota RAV4 rental vehicle near the intersection of Allen Avenue and Meadowbrook Road, according to multiple media and local eyewitness accounts. No injuries were reported.

The incident occurred in the early-to-mid afternoon hours. The vehicle was reportedly a rental car hired by an East coast visitor.

The tree was identified as approximately 80 years old and more than 100 feet tall. Saturated soil and rain-heavy canopies can make them lopsided and prone to toppling.

Emergency response was coordinated by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Department of Public Works, and the California Highway Patrol, all of which confirmed their involvement through official statements.

County public Works crews equipped with chainsaws worked for nearly seven hours to chop and remove the tree, according to NBC4. Meadowbrook Road was closed during that time, with the tree and vehicle blocking traffic lanes.

The incident occurred during what the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office described as “the strongest storm of the season.” Meteorologist Ariel Cohen reported that the multi-day atmospheric river system brought 2 to 6 inches of rain to most of Southern California on Saturday.