Diseased Tree Crushes Parked Car In Palms

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — A large tree went down early Tuesday in Palms, caving in the roof of a car parked along a residential street, the latest in a growing number of trees whose roots have been loosened from soaked soil after several days of rain.

Police were alerted to the downed tree on Glendon Avenue and Francis Place in Palms at about midnight. No injuries were reported, but the damage is extensive.

"I see it's torn up the sidewalk," neighbor Mack Haymon said. "I mean, it's just going to be a mess most of the day out here.

A mushroom found at the base of the large tree indicates it has been diseased.

Trees have been going down from San Gabriel to Culver City – not only are they waterlogged after several days of rain, the rain-saturated soil is unable to hold their roots.

Light to moderate showers Tuesday brought strong winds with gusts of 50 mph in the Antelope Valley and the chance of waterspouts.

The rain was also being blamed for potholes around the city, including one that flatted tires of nearly half a dozen cars on the 405 Freeway in Gardena.