Debris Flows and Flooding in California, December 30 to 31, 2022

Name: Debris Flows and Flooding in California, December 30 to 31, 2022
Start: 2022-12-30T14:27
End: 2022-12-31T23:59
Location: California

December 30 to 31, 2022 · NWS HNX · 67 events in 18 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 20 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. 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: $2,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 67

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 large upper trough moved slowly through California on December 30 and 31. This system had a deep fetch of tropical moisture associated with it which resulted in a period of moderate to heavy precipitation along with widespread flooding across much of the area on December 31. Numerous reports of flooding and debris flows were reported by law enforcement with several roads being briefly closed as a result of flooding. The system also produced strong wind gusts across the area between the afternoon of December 30 and the morning of January 1 with several stations in the West Side Hills and Tehachapi Mountains reporting gusts exceeding 60 mph. Several stations in the Sierra Nevada below 7500 feet picked up between 4 and 7 inches of rainfall while the adjacent foothills picked up 2 to 4 inches of rainfall. Rain shadowing effects limited precipitation in the San Joaquin Valley to between half an inch and an inch of rain at most locations while many stations in the Tehachapi Mountains also picked up between half an inch and an inch of rain. Several higher elevations SNOTEL stations picked up 18 to 30 inches of new snowfall adding to the heavy snowpack which had already accumulated earlier in December.

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 Dec 30, 1:58 PM PST, 29 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 30, 1:58 PM PST, 29 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Hanford CA
158 PM PST Fri Dec 30 2022

.SYNOPSIS...Bulk of storm moves in late tonight into Saturday
and will last through Sunday. Multiple smaller storms will impact
the region next week, except for a potential larger system on
Wednesday and Thursday.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Latest radar data shows light showers over the
higher elevations of the Sierra. This activity will continue
until this evening over mainly the Sierra Nevada. The next batch
of significant precipitation will arrive tonight towards Yosemite
and gradually spread southward during the day on Saturday. This
storm event is expected to wrap up by Sunday morning, just in time
for the new year. From tonight until Sunday morning, expect 3-5
inches of rain in the Sierra and adjacent foothills below 7,000
feet, 1-2 feet between 7,000-8,000 feet, and 2-5 feet of snow
above 8,000 feet from Mariposa County to Tulare County. Thus, the
Winter Storm Warning continues for the higher elevations of the
Sierra Nevada until early Sunday morning. As for the Kern County
mountains, around 1.00 to 1.25 inches of rain is expected.
Precipitation amounts in the Central Valley look to be around 0.25
inch towards the west side up to near an inch on the east side.
The south end of the San Joaquin Valley can expect around 0.50 to
0.80 inch. Finally, rain amounts could range from 0.30 to 0.50
inch in the desert portion of southeastern Kern County, mainly
during Saturday. In the meantime, some locally gusty winds have
developed along the desert slopes in the Kern County mountain
areas and are forecast to become more widespread later this
afternoon into the evening. So, we have issued a Wind Advisory
for this area until late tonight.

Rivers and creeks will likely rise considerably, and we
will continue to monitor the potential for flooding, including in
the mountains and near recent burn areas. Hourly rainfall rates
are forecast to reach around 0.50 inch per hour or a little
higher, enough to potentially trigger some debris flows or rock
slides. In addition, the longer duration and the overall amounts
of precipitation associated with this system will also cause some
impacts, including increased runoff and rises in streams and
creeks. Otherwise, nuisance flooding on some roadways remains a
possibility. Hence, we will keep the Flood Watch for late tonight
until early Sunday morning.

As for next week, expect some weak impulses until Tuesday.
Another stronger system is projected to arrive on Wednesday.
Precipitation chances will likely continue into Thursday and
beyond. Right now it looks like we'll have a window of heavier
precipitation for Wednesday afternoon until Thursday evening. Just
beyond the end of our forecast period (after next Friday), the
Climate Prediction Center shows another opportunity for heavy
precipitation in our Central Valley into the Sierra Nevada
beginning on next Saturday.

&&

.AVIATION...
VFR/MVFR conditions will prevail for the next 24 hours.
Occasional IFR/LIFR conditions in heavier showers and higher
terrains possible.

&&

.AIR QUALITY ISSUES...
On Friday December 30 2022, Fireplace/Wood Stove Burning Status
is: Burning Discouraged in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced,
and Tulare Counties, and Kern (Greater Frazier Park Area) and
Sequoia National Park and Forest.

&&

.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
and/or to provide feedback.

&&

.HNX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...

Wind Advisory until Midnight PST tonight for CAZ338.

Flood Watch from late tonight through late Saturday night for
CAZ300>322-324-325.

Winter Storm Warning until 4 AM PST Sunday for CAZ323-326>331.

&&

Public/Aviation/Fire Wx...BSO
PIO/IDSS..................JEB

weather.gov/hanford

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

26 flood, 21 debris flow, 12 high wind, 6 heavy snow, 2 strong wind. Local standard time, as filed.

High Wind, South End of the Upper Sierra

When: December 30, 2:27 PM PST
Where: South End of the Upper Sierra forecast zone
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS
Coordinates: 35.782, -118.765 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Bird Springs Pass RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 81 mph.

High Wind, South End of the Upper Sierra

When: December 30, 3:00 PM PST
Where: South End of the Upper Sierra forecast zone
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS
Coordinates: 35.782, -118.765 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Walker Pass RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 65 mph.

High Wind, Mojave Desert Slope(S)

When: December 30, 7:32 PM PST
Where: Mojave Desert Slope(S) forecast zone
Measured: 62 kt (71 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS
Coordinates: 35.343, -118.730 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Blue Max RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 71 mph.

Heavy Snow, Yosemite Np Outside of the Valley

When: December 30, 8:00 PM PST to December 31, 11:59 PM PST
Where: Yosemite Np Outside of the Valley forecast zone
Reported by: SNOTEL
Coordinates: 37.609, -119.874 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Tenaya Lake SNOTEL (8150 feet) picked up an estimated 24 inches of new snowfall.

Heavy Snow, Yosemite Np Outside of the Valley

When: December 30, 8:00 PM PST to December 31, 11:59 PM PST
Where: Yosemite Np Outside of the Valley forecast zone
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 37.609, -119.874 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Tuolumne Meadows (8600 feet) measured 22 inches of new snowfall.

Heavy Snow, Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge

When: December 30, 8:00 PM PST to December 31, 11:59 PM PST
Where: Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge forecast zone
Reported by: SNOTEL
Coordinates: 36.758, -119.649 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The West Woodchuck Meadow SNOTEL (9209 feet) picked up an estimated 20 inches of new snowfall.

Heavy Snow, Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge

When: December 30, 8:00 PM PST to December 31, 11:59 PM PST
Where: Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge forecast zone
Reported by: SNOTEL
Coordinates: 36.758, -119.649 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Upper Burnt Corral SNOTEL (9700 feet) picked up an estimated 20 inches of new snowfall.

Heavy Snow, Kings Canyon Np

When: December 30, 8:00 PM PST to December 31, 11:59 PM PST
Where: Kings Canyon Np forecast zone
Reported by: SNOTEL
Coordinates: 36.489, -119.224 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Volcanic Knob SNOTEL (10500 feet) picked up an estimated 22 inches of new snowfall.

Heavy Snow, Sequoia Np

When: December 30, 8:00 PM PST to December 31, 11:59 PM PST
Where: Sequoia Np forecast zone
Reported by: SNOTEL
Coordinates: 36.220, -118.800 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Crabtree Meadow SNOTEL (10500 feet) picked up an estimated 18 inches of new snowfall.

Flood, Madera

When: December 31, 1:12 AM PST to 4:12 AM PST
Where: Madera County, 1.68 mi ESE of Wishon to 1.69 mi ESE of Wishon
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.292, -119.521

California Highway Patrol reported rocks blocking the road at road 274 near Marina View Dr.

Flood, Mariposa

When: December 31, 4:30 AM PST to 7:30 AM PST
Where: Mariposa County, 0.57 mi NNE of Briceburg to 0.54 mi N of Briceburg
Cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.607, -119.965

California Highway Patrol reported mud, dirt and rock on the roadway on SR 140 at Briceburg at the Octagon.

Flood, Mariposa

When: December 31, 6:41 AM PST to 9:41 AM PST
Where: Mariposa County, 1.32 mi SW of Pendola Gardens to 1.5 mi SW of Pendola Gardens
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.507, -120.118

California Highway Patrol reported a boulder in the road on the westbound lane of Old Toll Rd. near Corbett Creek.

High Wind, Mariposa - Madera Lower Sierra

When: December 31, 7:30 AM PST
Where: Mariposa - Madera Lower Sierra forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 37.400, -119.834 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The PG&E station at Yosemite Pilot Peak measured a peak wind gust of 58 mph.

High Wind, Mojave Desert Slope(S)

When: December 31, 9:26 AM PST
Where: Mojave Desert Slope(S) forecast zone
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS
Coordinates: 35.343, -118.730 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Indian Wells Canyon RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph.

High Wind, West Side Mountains South of Highway 198

When: December 31, 11:50 AM PST
Where: West Side Mountains South of Highway 198 forecast zone
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 36.059, -119.398 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The PG&E station at Las Yeguas measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph.

Flood, Mariposa

When: December 31, 12:23 PM PST to 3:23 PM PST
Where: Mariposa County, 1.46 mi ESE of Acorn Lodge to 1.47 mi ESE of Acorn Lodge
Cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.514, -119.895

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding at the intersection of Triangle Rd. and Carter Rd.

Flood, Merced

When: December 31, 12:25 PM PST to 3:25 PM PST
Where: Merced County, 1.45 mi SW of Los Banos Muni Arpt to 1.7 mi SW of Los Banos Muni Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.058, -120.892

California Highway Patrol reported flooding on SR 152 at the Merced College entrance west of Los Banos.

Flood, Mariposa

When: December 31, 12:33 PM PST to 3:33 PM PST
Where: Mariposa County, 1.38 mi N of Fish Camp
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.500, -119.630

California Highway Patrol reported a large tree stump washed onto SR 41 north of Fish Camp.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 12:38 PM PST to 3:38 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 0.13 mi S of Tollhouse to 0.16 mi SSE of Tollhouse
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.018, -119.400

California Highway Patrol reported a rockslide blocking the eastbound lane of Tollhouse Rd. at the intersection of Old Tollhouse Rd.

High Wind, Frazier Mountain Communities

When: December 31, 1:00 PM PST
Where: Frazier Mountain Communities forecast zone
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 35.343, -118.730 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The PG&E station at Pelato Peak measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 1:20 PM PST to 4:20 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 1.53 mi SE of Auberry to 1.82 mi SW of Meadow Lakes
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.066, -119.459

California Highway Patrol reported a rockslide with several large builders on SR 168 east of Prather.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 1:25 PM PST to 4:25 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 0.3 mi ENE of Meadow Lakes to 0.23 mi ENE of Meadow Lakes
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.082, -119.425

California Highway Patrol reported a mudslide blocking the eastbound lanes of Auberry Rd. east of Alva Snow Ln.

Debris Flow, Mariposa

When: December 31, 1:41 PM PST
Where: Mariposa County, 0.42 mi ENE of Usona to 0.5 mi ENE of Usona
Cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.453, -119.823

California Highway Patrol reported debris and water collecting on the roadway at the intersection of SR 49 and Usona Dr.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 1:44 PM PST to 4:44 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 3.93 mi ENE of Dunlap to 3.95 mi ENE of Dunlap
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.747, -119.052

California Highway Patrol reported a mudslide at the intersection of SR 180 and Millwood Dr.

Flood, Mariposa

When: December 31, 1:55 PM PST to 4:55 PM PST
Where: Mariposa County, 0.68 mi NW of Midpines
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.557, -119.929

California Highway Patrol reported a tree that was washed away landed on the bridge neat the intersection of SR 140 and Oak Rd. blocking all lanes.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 2:17 PM PST to 5:17 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 1.74 mi SW of Alder Spgs to 1.75 mi SW of Alder Spgs
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.053, -119.443

California Highway Patrol reported a large rockslide on SR 168 near the Lower Vista.

Debris Flow, Madera

When: December 31, 2:30 PM PST to 5:30 PM PST
Where: Madera County, 2.09 mi SSW of Coarsegold to 1.94 mi S of Coarsegold
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.240, -119.708

California Highway Patrol reported a rockslide at the intersection of SR 41 and Coyote Hollow Dr. near Coarsegold.

Debris Flow, Madera

When: December 31, 2:30 PM PST to 5:30 PM PST
Where: Madera County, 1.45 mi ENE of Oakhurst to 1.47 mi ENE of Oakhurst
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.337, -119.645

California Highway Patrol reported a mudslide at the intersection of SR 41 and Hodges Hill Dr. in Oakhurst.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 2:39 PM PST to 5:39 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 1.82 mi E of Piedra to 1.85 mi E of Piedra
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.819, -119.347

California Highway Patrol reported a mudslide and a large bouilder in the roadway at the intersection of Elwood Rd. and Pine Flat Rd.

Flood, Mariposa

When: December 31, 2:42 PM PST to 5:42 PM PST
Where: Mariposa County, 0.87 mi SSE of Darrah to 0.89 mi SSE of Darrah
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.508, -119.825

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding at the intersection of Triangle Rd. and Meadow Ln.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 3:10 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 2.03 mi SSW of Indian Mission to 2.03 mi S of Indian Mission
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.952, -119.509

California Highway Patrol reported 4 large builders on the roadway at the intersection of SR 168 and Tollhouse Rd.

High Wind, West Side Mountains North of Highway 198

When: December 31, 3:27 PM PST
Where: West Side Mountains North of Highway 198 forecast zone
Measured: 64 kt (74 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS
Coordinates: 36.975, -120.184 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Panoche Road RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 74 mph.

Flood, Madera

When: December 31, 3:28 PM PST to 6:28 PM PST
Where: Madera County, 5.18 mi NE of Oneals to 5 mi NE of Oneals
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.180, -119.630

California Highway Patrol reported the southbound lane of North Fork Rd. flooded at Fine Gold Creek.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 3:54 PM PST to 6:54 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 1.72 mi E of Squaw Vly to 2.07 mi ENE of Squaw Vly
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.752, -119.219

California Highway Patrol reported a rockslide blocking the roadway at the intersection of SR 180 and Silver Ln.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 4:12 PM PST to 7:12 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 0.28 mi WNW of Piedra to 0.34 mi NNW of Piedra
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.822, -119.384

California Highway Patrol reported a rockslide on the roadway at the intersection of E. Trimmer Springs Rd. and N. Piedra Rd.

High Wind, West Side Mountains South of Highway 198

When: December 31, 4:13 PM PST
Where: West Side Mountains South of Highway 198 forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS
Coordinates: 36.059, -119.398 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Twisselman RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 58 mph.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 4:45 PM PST to 7:45 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 3.54 mi ENE of Dunlap to 3.55 mi ENE of Dunlap
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.749, -119.061

California Highway Patrol reported mud and small rocks at the intersection of SR 180 and Snowline Lodge Rd.

High Wind, Coalinga - Avenal

When: December 31, 4:50 PM PST
Where: Coalinga - Avenal forecast zone
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS
Coordinates: 36.417, -119.732 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Kettleman Hills RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 61 mph.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 5:17 PM PST to 8:17 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 2.14 mi SSW of Dunlap to 2.29 mi SSW of Dunlap
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.700, -119.132

California Highway Patrol reported several large rocks in the roadway at the intersection of Chuckwagon Rd. and Butternut Ln.

High Wind, West Side Mountains North of Highway 198

When: December 31, 5:20 PM PST
Where: West Side Mountains North of Highway 198 forecast zone
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS
Coordinates: 36.975, -120.184 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Alcalde RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph.

High Wind, West Side Mountains North of Highway 198

When: December 31, 5:30 PM PST
Where: West Side Mountains North of Highway 198 forecast zone
Measured: 72 kt (83 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 36.975, -120.184 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The PG&E station at Joaquin Ridge measured a peak wind gust of 83 mph.

Flood, Kern

When: December 31, 6:32 PM PST to 9:32 PM PST
Where: Kern County, 0.42 mi E of Pumpkin Center to 0.77 mi E of Pumpkin Center
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.270, -119.023

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding on northbound SR 99 at the SR 119 exchange.

Flood, Kern

When: December 31, 6:35 PM PST to 9:35 PM PST
Where: Kern County, 0.7 mi E of Venola to 0.81 mi E of Venola
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.320, -119.038

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding on northbound SR 99 at the White Ln. exchange.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 6:53 PM PST to 9:53 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 0.98 mi SSW of Tollhouse to 1 mi SSW of Tollhouse
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.007, -119.407

California Highway Patrol reported large builders on the roadway at the intersection of Lodge Rd. and Tollhouse Rd.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 6:56 PM PST to 9:56 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 3.3 mi NNE of Piedra to 3.35 mi NNE of Piedra
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.861, -119.348

California Highway Patrol reported a 3 foot rock on the roadway at the intersection of E. Trimmer Springs Rd. and Sunnyslope Rd.

Debris Flow, Mariposa

When: December 31, 7:00 PM PST to 10:00 PM PST
Where: Mariposa County, 2.83 mi W of Bear Vly to 2.42 mi W of Bear Vly
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.571, -120.172

California Highway Patrol reported a mudslide blocking portions of Hunters Springs Rd.

Strong Wind, Los Banos-Dos Palos

When: December 31, 7:07 PM PST
Where: Los Banos-Dos Palos forecast zone
Measured: 35 kt (40 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.975, -120.184 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

California Highway Patrol reported a 30 foot tree was blown down into the roadway at Colony St. and Azuza Ave. near Dos Palos.

Flood, Kern

When: December 31, 7:09 PM PST to 10:09 PM PST
Where: Kern County, 0.94 mi ESE of Venola to 0.84 mi ESE of Venola
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.316, -119.034

California Highway Patrol reported flooding in all lanes of SR 99 at the intersection of White Ln.

Flood, Merced

When: December 31, 7:13 PM PST to 10:13 PM PST
Where: Merced County, 5.38 mi WSW of Agatha to 5.44 mi WSW of Agatha
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.970, -120.840

California Highway Patrol reported roadway flooding at the intersection of SR 165 and Mervel Ave.

Strong Wind, Los Banos-Dos Palos

When: December 31, 7:14 PM PST
Where: Los Banos-Dos Palos forecast zone
Measured: 35 kt (40 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.975, -120.184 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

California Highway Patrol reported a tree blown down into the roadway at the intersection of Reynolds Ave. and Blossom Ave. in Dos Palos.

Flood, Fresno

When: December 31, 7:18 PM PST to 10:18 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 0.35 mi E of Ockenden to 0.41 mi ESE of Ockenden
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.081, -119.314

California Highway Patrol reported a large tree washed un in the roadway on Saddleback Rd.

Flood, Mariposa

When: December 31, 7:41 PM PST to 10:41 PM PST
Where: Mariposa County, 0.67 mi NNE of Briceburg to 1.67 mi ENE of Briceburg
Cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.609, -119.965

California Highway Patrol reported mud, dirty and rocks on the roadway on SR 140 at Briceburg.

Flood, Merced

When: December 31, 7:50 PM PST to 10:50 PM PST
Where: Merced County, 11.6 mi W of Santa Nella to 11.79 mi W of Santa Nella
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.070, -121.210

California Highway Patrol reported a 5 foot boulder on SR 152 east of Pacheco Pass.

Flood, Fresno

When: December 31, 7:57 PM PST to 10:57 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 3.1 mi NW of Dunlap to 3.03 mi NW of Dunlap
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.757, -119.165

California Highway Patrol reported mud, dirt and rocks washed onto the roadway at the intersection of SR 180 and Dunlap Rd.

Flood, Fresno

When: December 31, 8:33 PM PST to 11:33 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 3.37 mi NNE of Piedra to 3.31 mi NNE of Piedra
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.862, -119.350

California Highway Patrol reported rocks blocking the roadway at E. Trimmer Springs Rd. west of Pine Flat Lake.

Flood, Fresno

When: December 31, 8:35 PM PST to 11:35 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 0.52 mi SE of Piedra to 0.75 mi SE of Piedra
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.816, -119.372

California Highway Patrol reported boulders washed up onto Elwood Rd. near Pine Flat Lake.

Flood, Mariposa

When: December 31, 9:11 PM PST to 11:59 PM PST
Where: Mariposa County, 2.42 mi NNW of Cathay to 2.15 mi N of Cathay
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.404, -120.133

California Highway Patrol reported a boulder on the westbound lane of SR 140 west of the intersection of Old Hwy.

Debris Flow, Kern

When: December 31, 9:29 PM PST to 11:59 PM PST
Where: Kern County, 0.64 mi WSW of Lebec to 0.53 mi SW of Lebec
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.825, -118.879

California Highway Patrol reported a mudslide at the intersection of Lebec Rd. and Landslide Rd.

Flood, Madera

When: December 31, 9:54 PM PST to 11:59 PM PST
Where: Madera County, 6.68 mi SSW of Indian Spgs to 6.59 mi SSW of Indian Spgs
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.968, -119.795

California Highway Patrol reported the roadway washed out at the intersection of SR 41 and Ave. 15. east of Madera Ranchos.

Flood, Kern

When: December 31, 10:00 PM PST to 11:59 PM PST
Where: Kern County, 0.6 mi E of Democrat Spgs to 0.75 mi ESE of Democrat Spgs
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 35.529, -118.659

California Highway Patrol reported a rockslide at the intersection of SR 178 and Democrat Rd.

Debris Flow, Tulare

When: December 31, 10:09 PM PST to 11:59 PM PST
Where: Tulare County, 1.09 mi N of Lemoncove to 1.15 mi NNW of Lemoncove
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.395, -119.023

California Highway Patrol reported a lot of rocks and mud in the roadway on SR 216 at Dry Creek.

Flood, Tulare

When: December 31, 10:18 PM PST to 11:59 PM PST
Where: Tulare County, 2.92 mi SW of Springville to 2.87 mi SW of Springville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.102, -118.860

California Highway Patrol reported a large rock washed up on the roadway just west of the intersection of SR 190 and Rd. 320.

Flood, Mariposa

When: December 31, 10:24 PM PST to 11:59 PM PST
Where: Mariposa County, 3.49 mi SE of Elliott Corner to 3.48 mi SE of Elliott Corner
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.431, -119.730

California Highway Patrol reported trees blocking both lanes of SR 49 near the intersection with Harris Rd.

Flood, Fresno

When: December 31, 10:27 PM PST to 11:59 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 1.8 mi WSW of Academy to 1.87 mi WSW of Academy
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.870, -119.560

California Highway Patrol reported both lanes of SR 168 were flooded near the intersection with Academy Ave.

Flood, Fresno

When: December 31, 10:57 PM PST to 11:59 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 0.79 mi E of Alder Spgs to 0.63 mi ESE of Alder Spgs
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.070, -119.406

California Highway Patrol reported rocks washed up on Auberry Rd. at the Alder Springs Rd. intersection.

Debris Flow, Fresno

When: December 31, 11:09 PM PST to 11:59 PM PST
Where: Fresno County, 0.96 mi SW of Sanger Wndr Vly Arpt to 0.75 mi WSW of Sanger Wndr Vly Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 36.791, -119.313

California Highway Patrol reported mud and rocks covering 75 percent of Elwood Rd. in Wonder Valley.

Debris Flow, Mariposa

When: December 31, 11:16 PM PST to 11:59 PM PST
Where: Mariposa County, 1 mi S of Midpines to 0.86 mi S of Midpines
Cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.535, -119.920

California Highway Patrol reported a large mudslide blocking the westbound lanes on SR 140 in Midpines.

What these are

High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Heavy Snow: Snowfall reaching the local warning threshold without the other hazards of a winter storm.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
Debris Flow: A fast-moving slurry of mud, rock and debris, usually on a slope soaked by heavy rain or stripped by a fire.
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 2022 Every state in 2022 This day in weather history Warnings in California, December 2022

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: 1062259, 1062260, 1062261, 1062266, 1062267, 1062268, 1062269, 1062270, 1062271, 1062277, 1062278, 1062279, 1062263, 1062262, 1062257, 1062280, 1062281, 1062282, 1062283, 1062264, 1062284, 1062285, 1062286, 1062287, 1062288, 1062289, 1062290, 1062291, 1062292, 1062293, 1062294, 1062255, 1062296, 1062297, 1062300, 1062258, 1062306, 1062265, 1062315, 1062256, and more.