High Wind and Strong Wind in California, January 18 to 19, 2021

Name: High Wind and Strong Wind in California, January 18 to 19, 2021
Start: 2021-01-18T23:30
End: 2021-01-19T20:10
Location: California

January 18 to 19, 2021 · NWS HNX · 53 events in 12 counties and zones

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $200 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 53

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS HNX wrote it up.

An upper low pressure center developed off the southern California coast on January 18. During the evening, a secondary low center dropped southwest through Nevada which interacted with the low off the coast and produced a strong northeast flow over the Sierra Nevada resulting in destructive northeast winds over the Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills between the late evening of January 18 and the early afternoon of January 19 where several stations measured wind gusts exceeding 60 mph for an 8 to 12 hour period. The strong winds toppled several trees and power poles resulting a several structures being damaged and extended power outages over the Sierra foothills. Over 30 miles of power lines had tobe replaced in Mariposa County alone as a result of the wind damage. The damage casued by the winds also resutled in disaster declarations in Mariposa and Madera Counties. Fifteen giant sequoia trees which were all at least 1000 years old were toppled by the strong winds. In addition, strong east winds developed over the Tehachapi Mountains between the late morning until late evening. Several stations measured gusts exceeding 55 mph. The winds also funneled into the the San Joaquin Valley producing gusts exceeding 50 mph in the Bakersfield area and along the West Side Hills. Several other stations in the San Joaquin Valley measured gusts exceeding 35 mph. The winds diminished by the morning of January 20 as the low dropped further south off the Baja coast.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Hanford, CA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 18, 6:06 PM PST, 5 hours 24 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 18, 6:06 PM PST, 5 hours 24 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion...CORRECTED
National Weather Service Hanford CA
606 PM PST Mon Jan 18 2021

Updated air quality section

.SYNOPSIS...
Mono Wind event will begin later this evening Fresno County
northward in the Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills associated
with a significant upper level system. This system will bring
gusty conditions to several other areas across the region later in
the night through Tuesday. Calm conditions Wednesday and Thursday
before another system enters the forecast area Friday which will
reintroduce a chance of precipitation. Active weather may resume
early next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Latest GOES-17 imagery shows a potent upper level system currently
over northeast Nevada approaching California this afternoon. As
this system digs further southwest, the jet axis aloft will align
itself favorably with the Sierra Nevada, leading to a widespread
wind event. For us, these are called "Mono Winds", or strong,
downslope winds out of the northeast that occur over the Central
and Southern Sierra Nevada. Starting later this evening, very
strong wind gusts will begin in the High Country of the Sierra
Nevada and travel downslope/downcanyon into the foothills. Wind
gusts could approach 80 mph in the Sierra Nevada and adjacent
foothills Fresno County and northward through tomorrow afternoon,
so a High Wind Warning will remain in effect from 7 PM tonight
through 7 PM tomorrow evening. Breezy conditions across the west
side hills are being predicted by high resolution model guidance
in association with the jet aloft, so have issued a Wind Advisory
for wind gusts up to 50 mph there. As the upper level low digs
further southwest, gusty conditions are likely to occur in the
Tulare County Mountains and Foothills, as well as the wind prone
areas of Kern County, including the south valley. Therefore, have
issued additional Wind Advisories for the Southern Sierra
Foothills, Sequoia Kings and Lake Isabella as well as the south
valley that includes Bakersfield and Arvin. See our Wind Advisory
for more details.

The upper low that passes through the district tomorrow will phase
with another low off the Baja Coast by Tuesday evening. This
merged low will slowly move out of the area but will continue to
bring an easterly wind component to the Kern County Mountains, so
breezy conditions may not subside there until Wednesday morning.
Thereafter, calm and quiet weather is forecast to occur on
Wednesday and Thursday for the San Joaquin Valley as shortwave
ridging between two upper level systems occurs. Model guidance is
consistent in showing the next system over Central California by
Friday afternoon, but there is deviation on how far east or west
it is, which significantly impacts the rainfall potential.
Regardless of its exact trajectory, precip does look to enter the
forecast on Friday and Saturday. After this weekend there are
signals for the active weather pattern to continue which could
involve us getting more rain, so stay tuned for more details.

&&

.AVIATION..Areas of MVFR conditions across the San Joaquin Valley
in haze starting this evening through tomorrow morning.
Elsewhere, VFR conditions will prevail over the next 24 hours.
Winds will increase and expect turbulence across the Sierra and
Kern county mountains over the next 24 hours.

&&

.AIR QUALITY ISSUES...
Please see SFOAQAHNX for an Air Quality Alert

On Tuesday January 19 2021... Unhealthy for sensitive groups in
Fresno... Kern and Kings Counties.  Fireplace/Wood Stove Burning
Status is: No Burning For All in Fresno... Kern... Kings...
Madera... Merced and Tulare Counties.
Further information is available at Valleyair.org

&&

.CERTAINTY...

The level of certainty for days 1 and 2 is high.
The level of certainty for days 3 through 7 is medium.

Certainty levels include low...medium...and high. Please visit
www.weather.gov/hnx/certainty.html for additional information
an/or to provide feedback.

&&

.HNX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Wind Advisory from 10 PM this evening to 1 AM PST Wednesday for
CAZ189-191-194>199.

High Wind Warning from 7 PM this evening to 7 PM PST Tuesday for
CAZ190-192-193.

Wind Advisory from 8 PM this evening to 10 AM PST Tuesday for
CAZ179.

&&

public...Bollenbacher
aviation....Bollenbacher

weather.gov/hanford

Event by event

27 high wind, 26 strong wind. Local standard time, as filed.

High Wind, Central Sierra

When: January 18, 11:30 PM PST to January 19, 11:30 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Measured: 87 kt (100 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $200 million
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

Estimated 100 mph gusts near Yosemite Valley toppled several trees knocking out power to nearly all of Yosemite Park for several days. In addition, several structures were damaged by the winds and the park was closed for several days. The repairs required for Yosemite National Park from this wind event are exepcted to exceed $200 million.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 18, 11:36 PM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a large tree blocking both lanes of Road 423 near Road 426 in Oakhurst.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra

When: January 18, 11:49 PM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported downed trees and debris covering the roadway on SR 41 near Road 630 3S Fish Camp.

Strong Wind, San Joaquin Confluence

When: January 18, 11:56 PM PST
Where: San Joaquin Confluence forecast zone
Measured: 35 kt (40 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a power pole on the ground 2WSW Gustine.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 12:36 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a large oak tree blocking both lanes of SR 49 near Thunderbird Dr. 7NW Oakhurst.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 12:50 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported westbound lanes of Road 222 just east of SR 41 blocked due to a downed tree in Oakhurst.

High Wind, Central Sierra

When: January 19, 12:52 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS

The Mount Tom RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 58 mph.

High Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 12:55 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 96 kt (110 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public

A private weather station in Cascadel Heights reported an estimated 110 mph wind gust.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 1:18 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed oak tree blocking the roadway on Road 426 at Deer Meadow Way in Oakhurst.

High Wind, Central Sierra

When: January 19, 1:30 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Corrine Lake measured a peak wind gust of 66 mph.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 1:31 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed tree completely blocking the roadway of Road 425B near SR 41 in Oakhurst.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 1:42 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a power pole broken in half along Road 620 near Road 628 5NW Oakhurst.

High Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 1:59 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 67 kt (77 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS

The Miami Mountain RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 77 mph.

High Wind, Central Sierra

When: January 19, 2:48 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS

The Batterson RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 3:06 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a power line on the roadway across SR 49 near Stumpfield Mountain Road 8SE Midpines.

Strong Wind, Merced and Madera

When: January 19, 3:07 AM PST
Where: Merced and Madera forecast zone
Measured: 35 kt (40 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a fallen tree on SR 99 near Atwater Blvd and hit by vehicle.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 3:50 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported several fallen trees along SR 41 4N Oakhurst. SR 41 was closed at Cedar Valley.

Strong Wind, North Kings River

When: January 19, 5:01 AM PST
Where: North Kings River forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed tree across the roadway on Huntington Lake Road at Camp Sierra.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 5:11 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed tree across the roadway on Road 632 near Country Club Drive in Oakhurst.

High Wind, Fort Tejon

When: January 19, 5:13 AM PST
Where: Fort Tejon forecast zone
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS

The Grapevine Peak RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 65 mph.

High Wind, Bakersfield

When: January 19, 5:30 AM PST
Where: Bakersfield forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Tejon Creek 8S Arvin measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph.

High Wind, Central Sierra

When: January 19, 5:40 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Triangle Road measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph.

High Wind, Central Sierra

When: January 19, 5:50 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Coarsegold 1E measured a peak wind gust of 66 mph.

High Wind, Fort Tejon

When: January 19, 6:00 AM PST
Where: Fort Tejon forecast zone
Measured: 72 kt (83 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Lebec 5NW Digier Rd Hilltop measured a peak wind gust of 83 mph.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 6:01 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a large tree blocking both lanes of SR 140 near Agua Fria Road in Mariposa.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 6:22 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a tree blocking the entire roadway on Road 425B at Greenacre Dr. in Oakhurst.

High Wind, Sequoia Kings

When: January 19, 6:48 AM PST
Where: Sequoia Kings forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

Sequoia National Park Rangers reported a 2-3 foot diameter tree came down on Generals Highway near the Woodward Gate near Grant Grove blocking both lanes.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra

When: January 19, 7:15 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

Yosemite Park dispatch reported several trees and powerlines down in Yosemite Valley and Wawona.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 7:22 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a tree blocking all lanes near 4300 Buckeye Road 4SSW Mariposa.

High Wind, Indian Wells Valley

When: January 19, 7:26 AM PST
Where: Indian Wells Valley forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS

The Indian Wells Canyon RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 7:28 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed power line blocking a delivery truck in Ahwahnee.

High Wind, Lake Isabella

When: January 19, 7:32 AM PST
Where: Lake Isabella forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS

The Blue Max RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph.

High Wind, Tehachapi Area

When: January 19, 7:50 AM PST
Where: Tehachapi Area forecast zone
Measured: 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS

The Tehachapi airport AWOS measured a peak wind gust of 67 mph.

High Wind, Central Sierra

When: January 19, 7:59 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS

The Minarets RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 64 mph.

High Wind, Central Sierra

When: January 19, 8:00 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Morissey Road Tower measured a peak wind gust of 68 mph.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 8:00 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported shingle damage to a house in Ponderosa Basin.

Strong Wind, San Joaquin Confluence

When: January 19, 8:07 AM PST
Where: San Joaquin Confluence forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed power pole and power lines at the intersection of Ingomar Grade and Fahey Road near Los Banos.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 8:40 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported downed power lines across the roadway on Snyder Ridge Road 5NE Midpines.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 9:19 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast Media report and picture on Twitter of a downed tree that was ripped out of the ground and fell into Oakhurst Lodge near the intersection of SR 41 and Crane Valley Road.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 9:23 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a tree fell and sliced through a power line near the intersection of Homestead Road and Boyer Road 6SE Midpines.

High Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 9:40 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Penon Blanco measured a peak wind gust of 75 mph.

Strong Wind, Bakersfield

When: January 19, 9:43 AM PST
Where: Bakersfield forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a power pole leaning into the roadway at the intersection of SR 184 and Mountain View Road in Lamont.

Strong Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 10:04 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed tree at the intersection of Echo Hill Road and Lehamite Fall 6SE Midpines.

Strong Wind, Bakersfield

When: January 19, 10:08 AM PST
Where: Bakersfield forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported downed power liens at the intersection of Di Georgio Road and Tejon Hwy 4N Arvin.

High Wind, Southern Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 10:20 AM PST
Where: Southern Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Eastmont Road measured a peak wind gust of 69 mph.

High Wind, Bakersfield

When: January 19, 10:30 AM PST
Where: Bakersfield forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at the Round Mountain Microtowers measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

High Wind, Southern Sierra Foothills

When: January 19, 11:30 AM PST
Where: Southern Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Pine Mountain Tower measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph.

High Wind, Tehachapi Area

When: January 19, 1:10 PM PST
Where: Tehachapi Area forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Southern California Edison station at Stallion Springs measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

High Wind, Tehachapi Area

When: January 19, 1:50 PM PST
Where: Tehachapi Area forecast zone
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Southern California Edison station at Rancho Ridge measured a peak wind gust of 69 mph.

High Wind, Tehachapi Area

When: January 19, 1:50 PM PST
Where: Tehachapi Area forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Southern California Edison station at Sand Canyon measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

High Wind, Tehachapi Area

When: January 19, 4:20 PM PST
Where: Tehachapi Area forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Southern California Edison station at Bear Valley Springs measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph.

High Wind, Fort Tejon

When: January 19, 5:50 PM PST
Where: Fort Tejon forecast zone
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Beartrap Road measured a peak wind gust of 63 mph.

High Wind, Fort Tejon

When: January 19, 8:10 PM PST
Where: Fort Tejon forecast zone
Measured: 64 kt (74 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Pelato Peak measured a peak wind gust of 74 mph.

What these are

High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Strong Wind: Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in California in 2021 Every state in 2021 This day in weather history Warnings in California, January 2021

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 930397, 929335, 929336, 929337, 929357, 929358, 929320, 931826, 929359, 929325, 929360, 929361, 929321, 929319, 929362, 929363, 929364, 929365, 929366, 929317, 929328, 929327, 929326, 929316, 929367, 929368, 929369, 929370, 929372, 929315, 929371, 929312, 929310, 929318, 929324, 929373, 934736, 929375, 929376, 929377, and more.