Burbank Escapes Major Damage After 80 MPH Hurricane Winds

Burbank, Calif., emerged with minimal damage after enduring hurricane-force winds reaching up to 80 mph on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The city avoided significant structural harm despite widespread tree falls, power outages, and blocked roads, according to local officials.

Winds at Hollywood Burbank Airport peaked at 80 mph, while the myBurbank Weather Center recorded gusts of up to 58 mph. The Verdugo Fire Dispatch network, overwhelmed by calls, assigned each city its own tactical channel to streamline emergency responses. Burbank Fire Department Battalion Chief James Moye reported that crews responded to approximately 300 calls, including 100 related to fallen trees and numerous downed wires.

Firefighters assessed each incident to ensure public safety, distinguishing between communication wires and live electrical lines. Fallen trees blocked several streets, damaged vehicles, and leaned against homes, though no significant structural damage or red-tagged buildings were reported. One notable incident involved a tree toppling on Harvard Road, obstructing access to the Castaways area.

Burbank Water and Power crews worked swiftly to restore electricity, reducing outages to just three by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, each affecting fewer than 10 customers. Meanwhile, the Burbank Unified School District canceled classes for the remainder of the week due to safety concerns and poor air quality caused by the winds and nearby wildfires.

The California Department of Education advised school districts to submit J-13A waiver requests to avoid losing attendance-based funding during emergency closures. The City of Burbank launched a dedicated webpage for emergency updates, emphasizing that no evacuation orders or warnings were in effect. Officials urged residents to remain prepared for potential future wind events, including a predicted Santa Ana wind condition next week, though it is expected to be less severe.

For real-time updates, residents are encouraged to follow @myBurbankNEWS on X (formerly Twitter).