Flash Flood and Debris Flows in California, January 26 to 29, 2021

Name: Flash Flood and Debris Flows in California, January 26 to 29, 2021
Start: 2021-01-26T20:00
End: 2021-01-29T09:23
Location: California

January 26 to 29, 2021 · NWS HNX · 58 events in 16 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $315,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 58

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.

A very potent storm system brought heavy precipitation, areas of flooding and damaging winds to the area as it moved through central California between the early morning of January 27 and the morning of January 29. As the storm approached the northern California coast on January 27, strong southeast winds picked up in the Fort Tejon area in the Tehachapi Mountains and along the West Side Hills. For much of the day on the 27th winds were gusting above 45 mph with several stations reporting peak gusts exceeding 60 mph. The winds caused several local power outages. There were also several winds gusts between 45 and 60 mph in the Sierra Nevada which had been impacted just 8 days before by a very strong offshore wind event. This resulted in even more trees being blown down. As the large upper low approached central California, it pulled up a surge of deep moisture which provided for a period of heavy precipitation across much of the area between the evening of January 27 and the morning of January 29. Several stations in the Sierra foothills picked up between 4 and 7 inches of rain while several stations in the San Joaquin Valley from Fresno County northward picked up between 2.5 and 4 inches of rainfall with this system. Further south in the valley several stations in Kings and Tulare Counties picked up between 1 and 2.5 inches of rain while much of the valley portion of Kern County picked up between a half inch and an inch of rain. There were several reports of roadway flooding in the San Joaquin Valley and mudslides and debris flows were reported in the West Side Hills near the Mineral Fire burn area. The storm also brought heavy snowfall to the Sierra Nevada where several stations above 7000 feet picked up between 4 and 6 feet of new snowfall. The snow also restricted travel across the Sierra Nevada and closed several roads. The storm moved through central California on January 28 and 29 and moved out of the area by the afternoon of January 29.

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 26, 4:57 PM PST, 3 hours 3 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 26, 4:57 PM PST, 3 hours 3 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Hanford CA
457 PM PST Tue Jan 26 2021

.UPDATE...Updated for the air quality section. Also, the Winter
Storm Watch for the Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, and Fort Tejon areas
has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning.

&&

.SYNOPSIS...
A break in the action through this evening before a very potent
storm moves into the region later tonight. Heavy lower elevation
rain along with copius amounts of heavy snow to the Sierra above
5000 feet will be observed during the storms passage. The storm
will persist into Friday when precipitation will begin to taper
off. Very strong winds will accompany this storm and buffet parts
of the San Joaquin Valley overnight tonight as the storm moves
into central California.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Time to batten down the hatches before a very potent winter storm
moves into the region late tonight and into the morning hours of
Wednesday. Upper level clouds are already streaming into the area
ahead of the southward moving upper level low currently centered
over the Pacific Ocean at 45N 135W, Due west of the Oregon
coastline. The higher elevations near Yosemite will be the first
to see the winds increase later tonight. Next, parts of the San
Joaquin Valley, coastal hills, and Kern County mountain passes
will begin to see southerly winds increasing. Strong gusty winds
will accompany this storm in these areas and other locations will
become rather breezy. Currently a High Wind Warning is in effect
for the northern parts of the San Joaquin Valley and the western
coastal hills from midnight tonight until Noon tomorrow. Gusts up
to 60 mph will be possible in these areas. A Winter Storm Watch is
currently in effect for the Kern County Mountains for the
possibility of gusty winds and snowfall in those parts.

The other major impact from this storm will be the precipitation.
A hydrological outlook has been issued to address the
precipitation details but here is a run down of some of the main
points. Light precipitation will begin late tonight into
Wednesday morning and will pick up in intensity as the moisture
laden Atmospheric River on the southern periphery of the
aforementioned upper level low begins to advect into the area. The
southwest to northeast orientated plume of moisture will pump
moisture into region and strong orographics will create heavy
precipitation on the western side of the coastal hills and the
western facing slopes of the Sierras. With snow levels starting
out around 2500 feet and steadily rising to a peak of around 5000
feet by Wednesday night. This will allow snowfall in the lower
elevations at first but then will become mostly rainfall as the
atmosphere warms and the snow level ascends. This precipitation
will continue to fall through Friday late morning in some areas.
When all is said and done, storm total precipitation values of
about 1 to 4 inches for the San Joaquin Valley with the lower
amounts to the southern part of the San Joaquin Valley due to rain
shadow effect. The foothills on both the coastal side and Sierra
side could see 2 to 6 inches of precipitation. Above 5000 feet it
will be all snow and we will see very heavy accumulations
especially in the Yosemite area. Snow amounts will be measured in
feet with 6 to 10 feet of snow a good bet and localized amounts up
to 13 feet will be possible. Of course, the lower elevations near
the 5000 foot level will see less but still will most likely be
measuring 1 to 4 feet in many areas. The further south in the
Sierras will see less amounts due to the AR trajectory, the Kern
County mountains near the Grapevine and Tehachapi could see 3 to 7
inches with locally higher amounts, so travel will once again be
heavily impacted for the mountain passes. A Winter Storm Warning
is in effect for the Sierra Foothills and Mountains from 10 PM
tonight through 4 AM Friday. This will address the strong gusty
winds and the heavy snowfall. We would like to stress that in the
higher elevations and where the heaviest snowfall occurs that
blowing dust will lower visibilities at times to whiteout
conditions and the strong gusty winds will cause trees and tree
limbs to be knocked down, even the shear weight of the snow may
cause trees to be damaged or fall, not to mention damages to
structures.

By Friday morning the precipitation will begin to taper off across
the area, and the storm system will start to exit the region to
the east by Friday afternoon. A brief break in the action will
happen Friday night before a weak system moves through the region
on Saturday, however precipitation will be very light with this
system. Well, a lot to talk about once again and please take this
storm very serious, as the impacts will be great and travel will
become downright dangerous at times. Be safe.

&&

.AVIATION...
Widespread MVFR and areas IFR in mountain obscured clouds and
precipitation beginning around 12z Wednesday. Strong southerly
winds will also begin to affect the area after 12z Wednesday with
local gusts in the San Joaquin Valley reaching 45 knots and strong
winds through the Grapevine approaching 65 knots.

&&

.AIR QUALITY ISSUES...
None.

&&

.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...
Winter Storm Warning from 10 PM this evening to 4 AM PST Friday
for CAZ190>197.

High Wind Warning from midnight tonight to noon PST Wednesday
for CAZ179>181.

&&

Update...CMc
public...Andersen
aviation....BSO

weather.gov/hanford

The radar

The San Joaquin Valley radar (KHNX), 60 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 16:55 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

22 flood, 14 heavy snow, 11 high wind, 7 strong wind, 3 debris flow, 1 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Heavy Snow, Central Sierra

When: January 26, 8:00 PM PST to January 29, 8:00 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Reported by: SNOTEL

The Chilkoot Meadow SNOTEL (7150 feet) picked up an estimated 64 inches of new snow.

Heavy Snow, Central Sierra

When: January 26, 8:00 PM PST to January 29, 8:00 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Reported by: SNOTEL

The Green Mountain SNOTEL (7900 feet) picked up an estimated 63 inches of new snow.

Heavy Snow, Central Sierra

When: January 26, 8:00 PM PST to January 29, 8:00 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Reported by: SNOTEL

The Ostrander Lake SNOTEL (8200 feet) picked up an estimated 50 inches of new snow.

Heavy Snow, Central Sierra

When: January 26, 8:00 PM PST to January 29, 8:00 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Reported by: SNOTEL

The Gin Flat SNOTEL (7050 feet) picked up an estimated 57 inches of new snow.

Heavy Snow, North Kings River

When: January 26, 8:00 PM PST to January 29, 8:00 AM PST
Where: North Kings River forecast zone
Reported by: SNOTEL

The Blackcap Basin SNOTEL (10300 feet) picked up an estimated 42 inches of new snow.

Heavy Snow, North Kings River

When: January 26, 8:00 PM PST to January 29, 8:00 AM PST
Where: North Kings River forecast zone
Reported by: SNOTEL

The West Woodchuck Meadow SNOTEL (9100 feet) picked up an estimated 32 inches of new snow.

Heavy Snow, Sequoia Kings

When: January 26, 8:00 PM PST to January 29, 8:00 AM PST
Where: Sequoia Kings forecast zone
Reported by: SNOTEL

The Crabtree Meadow SNOTEL (10700 feet) picked up an estimated 28 inches of new snow.

High Wind, Central Sierra Foothills

When: January 27, 2:50 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Penon Blanco measured a peak wind gust of 65 mph.

High Wind, West Side Hills

When: January 27, 4:00 AM PST
Where: West Side Hills forecast zone
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

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

Heavy Snow, North Kings River

When: January 27, 4:00 AM PST to 4:00 PM PST
Where: North Kings River forecast zone
Reported by: Public

Public report of 24 inches of new snowfall at Shaver Lake in the previous 12 hours.

High Wind, West Side Hills

When: January 27, 5:20 AM PST
Where: West Side Hills forecast zone
Measured: 63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS

The Alcalde RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 72 mph.

High Wind, Fort Tejon

When: January 27, 5:50 AM PST
Where: Fort Tejon forecast zone
Measured: 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Beartrap Road measured a peak wind gust of 67 mph.

High Wind, West Side Hills

When: January 27, 7:20 AM PST
Where: West Side Hills forecast zone
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Las Yeguas measured a peak wind gust of 68 mph.

Heavy Snow, North Kings River

When: January 27, 8:00 AM PST to 4:00 PM PST
Where: North Kings River forecast zone
Reported by: Public

Public report of 24 inches of new snow in 8 hours at Shaver Lake.

Heavy Snow, Central Sierra

When: January 27, 8:00 AM PST to January 28, 8:00 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer

Tuolumne Meadows cooperative site measured 1.62 inches of liquid precipitation. 24 inches of new snowfall and 58 inches of snow on the ground.

Flood, Kings

When: January 27, 8:55 AM PST to 12:55 PM PST
Where: Kings County, 8.82 mi SSE of Avenal to 8.63 mi SSW of Kettleman City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.890, -120.050

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain at the intersection of SR 41 and SR 33 near Kettleman City.

High Wind, West Side Hills

When: January 27, 9:13 AM PST
Where: West Side Hills forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS

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

High Wind, Fort Tejon

When: January 27, 10:50 AM PST
Where: Fort Tejon forecast zone
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Lebec 5NW Digier Road Hilltop measured a peak wind gust of 68 mph.

Strong Wind, Bakersfield

When: January 27, 11:08 AM PST
Where: Bakersfield forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported large tree branches blocking partes of SR 99 south of Bakersfield.

High Wind, Fort Tejon

When: January 27, 11:10 AM PST
Where: Fort Tejon forecast zone
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Pelato Peak measured a peak wind gust of 81 mph.

High Wind, Fort Tejon

When: January 27, 11:13 AM PST
Where: Fort Tejon forecast zone
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS

The Grapevine Peak RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 81 mph.

Strong Wind, Bakersfield

When: January 27, 12:09 PM PST
Where: Bakersfield forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed Palm Tree blocking an entire roadway in Taft.

Strong Wind, Bakersfield

When: January 27, 12:14 PM 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 down on SR 184 south of Lamont.

High Wind, Bakersfield

When: January 27, 1:36 PM PST
Where: Bakersfield forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a semi-truck was overturned on SR 223 east of Arvin.

High Wind, Bakersfield

When: January 27, 2:30 PM PST
Where: Bakersfield forecast zone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Public

Public report of extensive tree damage in Bakersfield.

Strong Wind, Bakersfield

When: January 27, 3:07 PM PST
Where: Bakersfield forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported 3 power poles with wires blown over into the roadway on SR 199 north of Taft.

Heavy Snow, North Kings River

When: January 27, 4:00 PM PST to January 28, 10:00 AM PST
Where: North Kings River forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported SR 168 closed at Shaver Lake due to heavy snow with 18 inches of additional snowfall in the previous 20 hours.

Flood, Merced

When: January 27, 4:45 PM PST to 6:45 PM PST
Where: Merced County, 5.38 mi WSW of Agatha to 5.45 mi WSW of Agatha
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.970, -120.840

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain at the intersection of SR 165 and Mervel Ave. near Los Banos which caused several vehicles to hydroplane.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: January 27, 4:50 PM PST to 7:50 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 5.18 mi SW of Coalinga to 5.25 mi SW of Coalinga
Cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.095, -120.433

California Highway Patrol reported large boulders and mud covering SR 198 at Wartman St. southwest of Coalinga.

Flood, Merced

When: January 27, 9:18 PM PST to 11:18 PM PST
Where: Merced County, 2.13 mi NE of Winton to 2.23 mi NE of Winton
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.403, -120.594

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain at the intersection of Shaffer Rd. and Eucalyptus Ave. near Atwater.

Strong Wind, Bakersfield

When: January 27, 11:00 PM PST
Where: Bakersfield forecast zone
Measured: 43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Media report of an uprooted tree at the intersection of 17th St. and D. St. in Bakersfield.

Flood, Merced

When: January 28, 2:57 AM PST to 4:57 AM PST
Where: Merced County, 0.81 mi WSW of Gustine to 0.7 mi WSW of Gustine
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.247, -121.014

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain at the intersection of SR 33 and SR 140 in Gustine.

Strong Wind, Merced and Madera

When: January 28, 5:26 AM PST
Where: Merced and Madera forecast zone
Measured: 39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed tree on the roadway on Merced Falls Rd. east of Snelling.

Heavy Snow, Central Sierra

When: January 28, 8:00 AM PST to January 29, 8:00 AM PST
Where: Central Sierra forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer

Tuolumne Meadows picked up 24 inches of new snowfall between 800 PST on January 28 and 800 PST on January 29.

Flood, Madera

When: January 28, 8:30 AM PST to 9:30 AM PST
Where: Madera County, 0.98 mi NW of Madera to 0.97 mi NW of Madera
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.980, -120.082

California Highway Patrol reported lane #1 on SR 99 in Madera was closed to pump out ponding water.

Flood, Fresno

When: January 28, 11:36 AM PST to 1:36 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 7.52 mi SSW of Oro Loma to 7.64 mi SSW of Oro Loma
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.779, -120.730

California Highway Patrol reported mud and rock debris covering part of Little Panoche Road just west of the I-5 intersection.

Flood, Fresno

When: January 28, 12:23 PM PST to 2:23 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 1.38 mi S of Huron to 1.43 mi S of Huron
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.180, -120.100

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain at the intersection of SR 269 and Gale Ave. near Huron.

Flood, Fresno

When: January 28, 2:35 PM PST to 4:35 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 4.71 mi NNW of Huron to 4.22 mi N of Huron
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.260, -120.140

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain along SR 198 just west of SR 269 near Huron.

Flood, Merced

When: January 28, 4:04 PM PST to 6:04 PM PST
Where: Merced County, 1.22 mi WNW of Livingston to 1.19 mi WNW of Livingston
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.387, -120.740

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain on Vinewood Ave. in Livingston.

Flood, Madera

When: January 28, 4:06 PM PST to 6:06 PM PST
Where: Madera County, 1.46 mi NNW of Madera to 1.61 mi NNW of Madera
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.990, -120.077

The Madera County Sheriffs Office reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain on Daley Rd. in Madera.

Flood, Fresno

When: January 28, 4:11 PM PST to 6:11 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 2.45 mi NE of Rolinda to 3.24 mi ENE of Rolinda
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.750, -119.934

California Highway Patrol reported a one eighth mile section of Belmont Rd. near Kerman compeltely flooded due to heavy rain.

Flood, Fresno

When: January 28, 4:15 PM PST to 6:15 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 2.04 mi SW of Fowler to 1.96 mi SW of Fowler
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.612, -119.699

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain at the intersection of S. Clovis Ave. and E. Parlier Ave. near Fowler.

Flood, Fresno

When: January 28, 4:17 PM PST to 6:17 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 2.36 mi NNW of Kerman Bland Arpt to 2.49 mi N of Kerman Bland Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.603, -120.043

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain on W. Manning Ave. south of Kerman.

Heavy Snow, Fort Tejon

When: January 28, 5:00 PM PST to January 29, 5:00 AM PST
Where: Fort Tejon forecast zone
Reported by: Public

Public reports of 10-12 inches of new snowfall at Pine Mountain Club in the previous 12 hours.

Flood, Fresno

When: January 28, 5:16 PM PST to 7:16 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 1.38 mi N of Wildflower to 1.43 mi N of Wildflower
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.520, -119.680

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain at the intersection of S. Fowler Ave. and E. Conejo Ave. near Selma.

Heavy Snow, Lake Isabella

When: January 28, 5:30 PM PST to January 29, 5:30 AM PST
Where: Lake Isabella forecast zone
Reported by: Public

Public report of an estimated 14 inches of new snowfall in the previous 12 hours at the Alta Sierra Ski Resort.

Flood, Tulare

When: January 28, 5:36 PM PST to 7:36 PM PST
Where: Tulare County, 0.2 mi N of East Tulare Villa to 0.41 mi NE of East Tulare Villa
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.203, -119.280

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain near the intersection of Ave. 228 and Rd. 130 east of Tulare.

Flash Flood, Tulare

When: January 28, 6:00 PM PST to 9:00 PM PST
Where: Tulare County, 5 mi WNW of Camp Nelson to 4.94 mi WNW of Camp Nelson
Cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 36.167, -118.707

Tulare County Emergency manager reproted flash flooding as the result of an ash flow off of the Castle Fire burn scar in the Milk Canyon area.

Flood, Fresno

When: January 28, 6:06 PM PST to 8:06 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 3.54 mi SE of Rolinda to 3.27 mi SE of Rolinda
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.690, -119.930

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain near the intersection of S. Chateau Ave and W. North Ave. in Fresno.

Flood, Tulare

When: January 28, 6:42 PM PST to 8:42 PM PST
Where: Tulare County, 1.31 mi WNW of Sultana to 1.29 mi WNW of Sultana
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.560, -119.350

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain at the intersection of E. Nebraska Ave. and Rd. 100 near Sultana.

Flood, Kern

When: January 28, 7:20 PM PST to 9:20 PM PST
Where: Kern County, 1.93 mi SSE of Pumpkin Center to 2.26 mi SSW of Greenfield
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.244, -119.019

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain on southbound SR 99 just north of the Houghton Rd. junction south of Bakersfield.

Flood, Fresno

When: January 28, 8:35 PM PST to 10:35 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 0.26 mi S of (Fat) Air Terminal to 0.4 mi SSE of (Fat) Air Terminal
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 36.766, -119.719

Media report on Twitter showing flooding at the intersection of Clinton Way and McKinley Ave. in Fresno.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: January 28, 8:48 PM PST to 11:48 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 0.82 mi SW of Piedra to 0.41 mi SSW of Piedra
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $200
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.813, -119.392

California Highway Patrol reported a debris flow on Trimmer Springs Rd. near N. Piedra Rd. near Piedra. A sedan got two blown out tires due to the slide.

Flood, Fresno

When: January 28, 9:05 PM PST to 11:05 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 2.72 mi NW of Clovis to 2.69 mi NW of Clovis
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 36.852, -119.729

Broadcast media report of flooding in a parking lot in north Fresno.

Flood, Fresno

When: January 28, 9:30 PM PST to 11:30 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 0.83 mi S of (Fat) Air Terminal to 0.93 mi S of (Fat) Air Terminal
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.758, -119.719

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding due to heavy rain at the intersection of N. Peach Ave. and E. Olive Ave. in Fresno.

Flood, Tulare

When: January 29, 5:23 AM PST to 9:23 AM PST
Where: Tulare County, 0.69 mi S of Elderwood to 0.73 mi SSE of Elderwood
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.460, -119.118

California Highway Patrol reported a portion of Road 204 near Woodlake compeltely flooded.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: January 29, 6:04 AM PST to 9:04 AM PST
Where: Fresno County, 2.85 mi NNE of Navelencia to 2.67 mi NNE of Navelencia
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.720, -119.369

California Highway Patrol reproted a large boulder blocking the east bound lane of SR 180.

Strong Wind, Tulare County

When: January 29, 6:23 AM PST
Where: Tulare County forecast zone
Measured: 39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a large tree in the roadway at the intersection of Ave. 368 and Road 204 near Woodlake.

What these are

Heavy Snow: Snowfall reaching the local warning threshold without the other hazards of a winter storm.
High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
Strong Wind: Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.
Debris Flow: A fast-moving slurry of mud, rock and debris, usually on a slope soaked by heavy rain or stripped by a fire.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

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: 930792, 930793, 930794, 930795, 930797, 930798, 930799, 930413, 930406, 930789, 930405, 930412, 930407, 930607, 930608, 930572, 930408, 930411, 930596, 930410, 930409, 930597, 930598, 930599, 930600, 930601, 930609, 930573, 930605, 930574, 930602, 930575, 930603, 930796, 930576, 930577, 930578, 930579, 930580, 930582, and more.