Tornado and Flash Flood in California, February 6 to 9, 1998

An exceptionally strong westerly jet-stream aloft, and a deep upper-level trough of low pressure off the coast, steered a barrage of weather systems through southern California for several days. The action started off with high winds and then heavy rain on the sixth. Rainfall up to three inches caused widespread flooding, stranding motorists, and resulting in sporadic road closures. The most serious flooding occurred in Newport Beach and Irvine during the early afternoon. Several Newport schools had flooded classrooms and were evacuated. In Irvine, water and mud rushing through Bommer Canyon flooded 25 townhomes and a city park. Lightning also struck a home in Irvine, blowing out windows, damaging the roof, and causing a gas line rupture. In Dana Point, a tree-covered hillside slid into a hotel parking structure, submerging at least six cars in rock and sand. Local State of Emergencies were declared in San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Irvine. Elsewhere throughout the valley areas of southwest California, several mud slides closed roads and blocked drainage channels, exacerbating the already high water levels. Numerous swift-water and standing-water rescues were made as water quickly surrounded homes and cars. Gusty winds easily pushed over trees whose shallow root systems were anchored in water-logged soil, damaging homes and automobiles, and causing sporadic power outages. Sink holes began to open up, undermining some roadways. Over two inches of rain along the San Diego River late on the seventh and early on the eighth, sent the river out of it's banks. It crested at 12.5 feet at Fashion Valley during the morning of the eighth, which is 1.2 feet above flood stage. Another round of heavy showers during the predawn hours on the ninth, spawned a small tornado that flipped a 6x12 foot wood and metal shack in Cardiff, and blew down trees in Rancho Santa Fe.