Tornado and Flash Flood in California, January 25 to 28, 2008

California Highway Patrol reported Garlock Rd flooded and washed out in parts.

California Highway Patrol and local Emergency Management reported several mudslides on the Frazier Mountain Park Road. This flash flood event was caused by locally heavy rainfall combined with rapid snowmelt from recent heavy snow events.

California Highway Patrol reported a large amount of water and mud on Copus Road just east of Basic School Road, and also on State Route 166 just east of Basic School Road.

Several small trees down in the southwest portion of the city of Visalia due to a severe thunderstorm.

Official NWS survey in the City of Visalia indicated an EF0 (Enhanced Fujita Scale: maximum estimated wind speeds 60 to 70 mph) tornado touched down and caused minor damage on the west side of Visalia just after noon on January 27, 2008. The damage assessment indicated that this weak tornado was associated with a small severe thunderstorm that developed just southwest of Visalia and moved northeast across the west portion of the city and to the northeast of the city between about noon and 1230 pm on january 27, 2008. The damage survey indicated the tornado touched down near a mobile home park along Akers Street on the west side of the city. Damage occurred across the park with several medium to large sized shallow rooted trees uprooted, fences downed, branches removed, and shingles and carports damaged. Several medium sized trees were downed onto homes or garages causing moderate damage to those homes. The tops of several trees were damaged and some fences were blown in different directions, suggesting this event was caused by a weak tornado, in addition to the discovery of a small damage path. National Weather Service doppler radar also indicated rotation within the lowest levels of the storm at the time of the event. Eyewitness accounts of a loud roaring noise, funnel clouds, and large debris/dust clouds also occurred near the mobile home park and contributed to the storm survey. The tornado likely continued for up to two miles to the northeast as additional similar damage was discovered along Goshen Avenue near the Visalia Municipal Golf Course. Minor damage also occurred in other parts of Visalia with a few utility poles and trees and branches downed, likely from straight-line wind damage due to the outflow of the severe thunderstorm.

Trained SKYWARN spotter reported approximately 10 medium to large trees uprooted along Goshen Avenue on the north side of Visalia.

Off-duty NWS employee reported trees downed in the town of Orosi, just north of Visalia and south of Orange Cove.

The public reported wind damage to trees and property at a ranch near the town of Squaw Valley. Several trees and branches were uprooted, damage occurred to several outbuildings on the property. This severe thunderstorm originally developed near Visalia and produced a small tornado, and then continued to travel to the north-northeast and affect other communities.

Trained spotter reported trees downed on Road 64 at Ave 184 near the city of Tulare. This storm continued east-northeast and caused additional minor damage near Visalia and Woodlake.

Local law enforcement reported 3 utility poles downed near the intersection of Road 212 and Ave 314 near the town of Woodlake. This severe thunderstorm actually developed near the city of Tulare, and tracked east-northeast to affect several more communities.