[1] The tropical storm made landfall near San Pedro, California, early on September 25,[1] with winds of severe gale strength.

[4] Due to the rotation of the Earth, tropical cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere tend to move from east to west.

The 11.60 inches (295 mm) at Mount Wilson is one of California's highest rainfall amounts from a tropical cyclone, although at least one system has a higher point maximum.

[7] With heavy rain immediately preceding the tropical storm, flooding killed 45 in Southern California.

Twenty-four died aboard a vessel called the Spray as it attempted to dock at Point Mugu.

Streets in Los Angeles proper were covered with water, flooding buildings and stalling cars.

[7] Rains washed away a 150-foot (46 m) section of the Southern Pacific Railroad near Indio, and a stretch of the Santa Fe main line near Needles.

Waters backing up from a storm drain under construction in the San Gabriel Valley blocked California State Route 60.

The tropical storm was credited with at least one beneficial effect: it ended a vicious heat wave that had lasted for over a week and killed at least 90 people.

At sea, the Coast Guard and Navy conducted rescue operations, saving dozens of people.

[7] In response to Californians' unpreparedness, the Weather Bureau established a forecast office for southern California, which began operations in February 1940.