Wind Storm Hits Borrego Springs
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Living in Borrego Springs was a bit of a whirlwind last night; we were hit hard by a fierce wind storm that swept through our town the night of February 21st and into the morning of February 22nd.
The sound of the wind at night during the wind storm was eerie and unforgettable. The sound of sand hitting windows and tarps flapping in the wind was relentless, with gusts reaching up to 100 miles per hour, according to weather apps.
The wind hit the walls of our houses like an angry beast as if threatening to tear the very foundation apart. It was an unnerving experience for many of us, as we were forced to hunker down and ride out the storm, hoping that our homes would withstand the incredible force of the wind.
Santiago Estates Hit Hard
The damage in the Santiago Estates neighborhood was among the most severe from the wind storm. Community members in this area were hit hard and will need significant help rebuilding in the aftermath of the storm. The damages to their patios, roofs, and fences were substantial. It’s important for us to come together as a community to support our neighbors in Santiago Estates and help them recover from this disastrous event.
Wind Damages Across Town
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- The iconic rock Borrego Springs welcome sign, a beloved landmark for our town, still stands tall, unfortunately the wooden part that reads “welcome to Borrego Springs” was ripped off.
- Carlees old-fashioned neon sign on the roof was shattered by the force of the wind, a sad loss for the owners of Carlees and the town over all.
and more...
- The wind storm certainly did a number on the town’s trees! From Smoke, Palm, to Pepper trees and everything in between, many were uprooted or snapped in two, leaving a mess scattered throughout the area.
- A giant pine tree in Christmas Circle, a focal point of our town, was even brought down by the wind.
- The Art Farm in Borrego Springs was impacted by the wind storm with fallen chairs, scattered debris, and the metal dinosaur sculpture knocked down. The storm caused objects of all sizes and shapes to tip over, leaving the farm in disarray.
- Multiple stop signs and other street signs were knocked down during the wind storm.
- The sand had been whipped up by the wind, creating small dunes in the roads and on sidewalks.
- To make things more weird, the portable toilets that were set up for out-of-towners were knocked over, and debris littered the streets.
Wild weather in Borrego Springs and throughout the county. Checked out some of the damage. Stay safe out there. pic.twitter.com/ibNS9p5PKB
— Supervisor Jim Desmond (@jim_desmond) February 23, 2023
Power Outages
The wind storm that swept through Borrego Springs caused multiple power outages in the area, with circuits 170, 171, and 173 all affected. Currently, SDGE crews can be seen all over town working hard to restore power to the community.
Residents are eagerly awaiting the return of electricity and are keeping up to date with the latest information by checking the Borrego Springs 92004 Facebook group, where they can get updates on damages, estimated time frames for power restoration, personal stories, needs, and the latest road conditions.
It’s comforting to see our community coming together in the face of this challenge, and we’re all hoping for a speedy resolution to these outages.
This Little Community Is Resilient
Despite the devastation, we are a tight-knit community in Borrego Springs. Our residents will rally together to help each other out. Many will undoubtedly offered their assistance to those affected by the wind storm, showing the resilience and strength of our community.
Even though many in the community will help out, we could always use outside support as well.
Help Is Appreciated
Notice we are not posting images of Santiago Estates damage; this is a personal disaster that we don’t want to share for sensitivity reasons. Know, though, the damage is extensive.
We kindly ask for your assistance in helping our community, which faces unique financial needs and a lack of resources close to home. Borrego Springs is a small, tight-knit community that relies on the support and generosity of others, especially in times of crisis, such as the recent wind storm.
Any assistance you can offer, whether financial support, volunteer work, or any other form of aid, would be greatly appreciated and would go a long way in helping us recover from the damages caused by the storm. Thank you for considering helping out our community.
Borrego Springs Churches: Always Helping
If you want to help those in need in Borrego Springs, one great resource to consider reaching out to is the local churches. Churches often have the most up-to-date information on community needs and how to help.
St. Richards Catholic Church of Borrego Springs
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Community United Methodist Church
Tips for Preventing Wind Damage: How to Keep Your Home and Property Safe During Storms
In addition to having emergency supplies on hand, there are several steps you can take to prevent wind damage to your home and property. Here are some tips to consider:
- Secure outdoor items: High winds can easily pick up and throw outdoor furniture, decorations, and even small plants. To prevent these items from causing damage to your property or others, make sure to secure them before a storm hits. Bring in any loose items or secure them with heavy objects or anchors.
- Trim trees and shrubs: Overgrown trees and shrubs can easily snap or fall during high winds, causing damage to your home or power lines. Regularly trimming and maintaining your trees and shrubs can help prevent this damage.
- Reinforce doors and windows: High winds can cause windows and doors to rattle and shake, leading to potential damage or leaks. Ensure you reinforce your windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood to keep them secure during a storm.
- Inspect your roof: Your roof is one of the most vulnerable areas during high winds. Inspect your roof for any loose or missing shingles, and repair them before a storm hits.
- Check your gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, and high winds can easily knock them loose. Make sure to clean out your gutters regularly and make any necessary repairs.
- Have a backup generator: High winds can often knock out power, leaving you without heat, hot water, or electricity. Consider investing in a backup generator to keep your home and family comfortable during power outages.
By preparing for high winds, you can help prevent damage to your home and property, and keep your family safe and comfortable.
Borrego Springs Is A Strong Community
In the storm’s aftermath, we will need to take stock of the damage and start the recovery process. We know it’s crucial to be prepared for extreme weather events; this storm was a stark reminder of that.
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