KXO Radio AM1230 and FM 107.5

Saturday evening at approximately 7:00 p.m. a weather cell confirmed to be a tornado ripped through the Palo Verde, California region and heavy damage occurred. It is anticipated that the total damage will exceed $10,000,000.00. Palo Verde, California is located at the northeast corner of Imperial County, just within the county limit that is shared with Riverside County.

The initial site survey reports conducted by the Imperial County Planning Department estimated that 80% of the community’s structures incurred major damage. 13 Condemnation notices have already been posted and it is estimated that 30% of the structures will be condemned once the damage assessment surveys are completed.

The water has been deemed safe to drink, and shelters have been established at the Colorado Fairgrounds in Palo Verde. It is estimated that power will not be fully restored for a few days.

Responders to the scene included but were not limited to; Imperial County Sheriff Ray Lorea, Imperial County Supervisor Wally Leimgruber, ICFD Battalion Chief Tony Rohoutas, Fire Chief Bill Zimmerman, Imperial Valley Red Cross Volunteers Ramon Barron & Roland Pritchard. Imperial County CEO Roberta Burns has been working with the Governors Office to have this emergency classified a State Disaster.

Imperial County Supervisor Joe Maruca signed the Imperial County Disaster Proclamation at 3:45pm today.

This weather cell also downed eight Power Lines in the City of Calexico and two in Holtville, power was restored this afternoon to all of Calexico and Holtville.

Note: Palo Verde has a population of 279 people with 225 Residential structures mostly mobile homes