(December 29, 2004, updated w/ add'l pix) -- As daylight appeared, ELB could see the aftermath of fierce, overnight thunderstorm-type winds that downed multiple trees, sent branches and other debris flying and knocked out power over a large area.

Photo right is Wardlow Rd. east of Woodruff.

LBReport.com was on scene shortly after 2:15 a.m. to capture the story and we posted it in words and pictures hours before dawn. We provide extended coverage below with multiple additional photos.

The worst hit area was in the area of Woodruff Ave. near Wardlow Road (photo left Woodruff @ Faust) but similar scenes were visible in scattered areas in other ELB areas along San Anseline Ave. to Spring St.

Other areas affected included Los Coyotes Diagonal west of Bellflower Blvd., Willow, Stearns and Atherton Sts.

At Spring St. just west of Woodruff Ave., this canopy-type thing became airborne and landed on some type of lines. (Yes, we reported it to LBFD.)

Just east of Marshall Middle School.

Just east of "Pavilions," Woodruff between Spring St. and Los Coyotes Diagonal.

Faust Ave. @ Woodruff.

Likewise, Faust @ Woodruff.

Along Woodruff Ave., south of Wardlow Rd.

An L.A. TV station shot video of the area just east of Marshall Middle School.

Woodruff Ave. access road, just south of Wardlow Rd.

This tree is less than perpendicular...and appears to be heading horizontal.

Faust Ave...north of Wardlow Rd.

Fanwood Ave. at Faust.

Likewise on Fanwood Ave.

Also on Fanwood Ave.

Wardlow Rd. at Faust

Wardlow Rd., looking west toward Woodruff Ave.

Here's a blackout (or worse) avoided: Edison crews scrambled to stabilize this power pole on Spring St. just east of Bellflower Blvd.

This "no parking sign" bit the dust, knocked over by a tree, east of Marshall Middle School.

At early morning, a City Hall advisory said three response crews have been formed to clear roadways and remove debris. Street sweeping personnel have been reassigned to frond pick-up.

LBReport.com brought our readers the story before dawn...with pictures.

At predawn, flares marked off parts of Los Coyotes Diagonal west of Bellflower Blvd., blocked by numerous tree branches.

LBFD crews were out in force, here along Wardlow Rd.

The thunderstorm type winds, part of a large Pacific rainstorm, apparently hit shortly before 1:00 a.m. LBFD Public Information Officer Paul Rodriguez said at least one fire was reported in the 2100 block of Fidler Ave. and it may be wind-related.

From shortly after 1:00 a.m. until nearly 3:00 a.m., power was out across a wide area from roughly (borders approximate) Atherton St. to Carson St., Studebaker Rd. to Bellflower Blvd. Power was restored to some areas about 3:00 a.m.

If you have good digital pix and would like LBReport.com to publish them, email them to us at: mail@LBReport.com. Yes, they'll become our property and no, we can't pay you...but we'll be glad to give you photo name credit (let us know if you'd like this when you email them).

Further to follow as newsworthy. Revisit this page, click reload or refresh on your browser for updates.