High Wind and Strong Wind in California, January 26, 2023

Name: High Wind and Strong Wind in California, January 26, 2023
Start: 2023-01-26T05:00
End: 2023-01-26T16:00
Location: California

January 26, 2023 · NWS SGX · 9 events in 7 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 9 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

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

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The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 9

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 SGX wrote it up.

Very strong Satna Ana winds impacted all of Southern California the morning of January 26. Widespread wind gusts in excess of 40 mph were reported across the coast, with wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph in the valleys and gusts over 80 mph in the mountains. Major interstate closures, including I-8 in San Diego County, and I-15 and I-215 in San Bernardino County, occurred as the result of overturned semi trucks and fallen trees and powerlines. Dozens of trees were downed and snapped in Balboa Park, including one that fell on and injured a woman, resulting in the closure of the park for the remainder of the day.

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 San Diego, CA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 26, 2:22 AM PST, 2 hours 38 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 26, 2:22 AM PST, 2 hours 38 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service San Diego CA
222 AM PST Thu Jan 26 2023

.SYNOPSIS...
Strong and gusty northeast winds will intensify and overspread
the region this morning through early afternoon before gradually
decreasing through the evening. Weak offshore flow will keep the
weather fair Friday. Onshore flow returns Saturday with increasing
low clouds and winds west of the mountains through Sunday. A cold
storm will move into the region Sunday night and pass through
Monday bringing rain and snow showers before moving out early
Tuesday. It will be cold but dry Tuesday night with fair and
warmer weather following Wednesday.

&&

.DISCUSSION...FOR EXTREME SOUTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA INCLUDING ORANGE...
SAN DIEGO...WESTERN RIVERSIDE AND SOUTHWESTERN SAN BERNARDINO
COUNTIES...

Gusty cool Santa Ana winds are right on schedule and really
gusting in the foothills and into some valleys. Gusts at 2 am were
generally 35-55 mph in the foothills and 30-40 mph in some of the
adjacent valleys. These should increase a little more after
sunrise and become more widespread, peaking in coverage and
intensity between about 7 am and 3 pm, decreasing late afternoon
and evening. Peak gusts should be 55-75 mph in the foothills and
35-55 mph in the valleys, and 25-40 mph near the coast. Strongest
winds in the deserts will be focused on the hills and mountain
slopes rather than the desert floors. Temperatures will climb
into the lower 70s, with the warmest belt near but not at the
coast. Things calm down quite well tonight and light winds are
expected Friday under a fleeting transitory ridge of high
pressure. A trough doesn't waste time bearing down the West Coast
Saturday and Sunday. This will turn the flow onshore, and could
even generate some coastal fog Saturday morning. The trough will
help rebuild the marine layer and deepen it over the weekend. On
Sunday, some of those enhanced clouds could produce light showers
mainly inland against foothills. Onshore winds will pick up
Sunday, with some gusts exceeding 40 mph in parts of the mountains
and deserts. Widespread showers should begin late Sunday from the
coast to the mountains, with the brunt of the storm Monday. Not
an atmospheric river, this system lacks copious moisture since it
comes from a drier source region of western Canada, but it will
bring energetic cold air to maximize shower formation. Preliminary
amounts look like 0.25-0.50 inch for coast and valleys, 0.50-1.00
inch in mountains, and less than 0.20 inch in deserts. Snow
levels starting at around 5,000 feet Sunday afternoon will fall to
3,000 feet by Monday night. This could bring an inch or two of
snow to the high desert and around a foot to the mountains above
5,000 feet. Ensemble solutions are narrowing down the timing for
the start and peak of the storm, but there's still uncertainy on
the tail end, when it will move out and showers end. Some
solutions indicate a lingering wave of showers rotating southward
down the back side of the trough, which would prolong showers
Tuesday in the high desert and mountains. By late Tuesday it
should be dry everywhere, but cold. While Wednesday starts out
quite cold, a warming air mass under a rapidly building ridge
could help a warming trend peel rubber.

&&

AVIATION...
260930Z...Santa Ana winds out of the northeast to east will continue
to strengthen, peaking at most locations this morning but will
continue quite strong through the afternoon. Peak gusts 60-75 kt
possible at the windiest spots just below passes/canyons. Wind shear
will be present early this morning where the northeast-east winds
have not surfaced, including at KSAN and KCRQ. Amdar soundings there
show winds at near 1.5kFT at 20-25kt. Expect the offshore winds to
become more established there towards sunrise and thereafter.
Expect up/downdrafts along and west of the mountains.

Otherwise, clear with unrestricted visibility through Friday.

&&

.MARINE...
Strong northeast to east winds will peak this morning with
areas of gusts of 20-30 knots near the coast and into the nearshore
coastal waters. Winds will weaken tonight with much lighter winds
overnight-Friday.

&&

.BEACHES...
A long-period west-northwest swell continues to slowly subside and
so too has the surf with max sets likely now only to about 5 feet
along the southern San Diego County coast, so have canceled the
Beach Hazards Statement. A downward surf trend will continue this
afternoon.

&&

.SKYWARN...
Skywarn activation is not requested. However weather spotters are
encouraged to report significant weather conditions.

&&

.SGX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CA...Wind Advisory until 10 PM PST this evening for Apple and Lucerne
     Valleys-Coachella Valley-Orange County Coastal Areas-San
     Diego County Coastal Areas-San Diego County Deserts.

     High Wind Warning until 10 PM PST this evening for Orange County
     Inland Areas-Riverside County Mountains-San Bernardino
     County Mountains-San Bernardino and Riverside County
     Valleys-The Inland Empire-San Diego County Mountains-San
     Diego County Valleys-San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning-Santa
     Ana Mountains and Foothills.

PZ...Small Craft Advisory until 6 PM PST this evening for Coastal
     Waters from San Mateo Point to the Mexican Border and out
     to 30 nm-Waters from San Mateo Point to the Mexican Border
     Extending 30 to 60 nm out including San Clemente Island.

&&

PUBLIC...MM
AVIATION/MARINE/BEACHES...Gregoria

The radar

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

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

6 high wind, 3 strong wind. Local standard time, as filed.

High Wind, San Bernardino County Mountains

When: January 26, 5:00 AM PST to 1:00 PM PST
Where: San Bernardino County Mountains forecast zone
Measured: 72 kt (83 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 34.841, -116.178 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds impacted the San Bernardino County Mountains through much of the morning on January 26. Wind gusts in excess of 50 mph occurred, especially from 7 AM through 11 AM. The following are the strongest wind gusts recorded that morning:

Arrowhead Springs recorded a peak wind gust of 83 mph.|Marshall Peak recorded a peak wind gust of 80 mph.|Running Springs recorded a peak wind gust of 72 mph.|Lytle Creek South recorded a peak wind gust of 64 mph.|San Sevaine Flats recorded a peak wind gust of 61 mph.

Multiple reports of damage were reported, including a downed tree that brought powerlines down blocking a roadway; an electric pole broken in half; a semi truck with a 53-foot trailer flipped, blocking northbound I-15 at the Devore offramp; and an overturned big rig blocking all northbound lanes of I-215, resulting in a complete shutdown.

High Wind, San Diego County Mountains

When: January 26, 6:00 AM PST to 12:00 PM PST
Where: San Diego County Mountains forecast zone
Measured: 81 kt (93 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 33.028, -116.770 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Very strong winds impacted the San Diego County Mountains through much of the morning on January 26. Widespread wind gusts in excess of 60 mph occurred, especially from 9 AM through noon. The following are the strongest wind gusts recorded that morning:

SDGE Sill Hill reported a peak wind gust of 93 mph.|SDHGPA Laguna Launch reported a peak wind gust of 88 mph.|SDGE Buckman Springs reported a peak wind gust of of 86 mph.|SDGE Crestwood reported a peak wind gust of 86 mph.|Palomar Mountain Lookout reported a peak wind gust of 83 mph.|Pine Valley - Horse Launch reported a peak wind gust of 83 mph.|Morena Dam reported a peak wind gust of 79 mph.|HPWREN Boucher Hill reported a peak wind gust of 79 mph.|Mt Laguna Observatory reported a peak wind gust of 79 mph.|SDGE La Posta reported a peak wind gust of 79 mph.|SDGE Sunrise Highway reported a peak wind gust of 75 mph.

Damage was reported by late morning, with a telephone pole downed across SR-79, blocking the southbound lanes near Pine Valley. A large tree was downed near Julian and was leaning on power lines.

High Wind, San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys - the Inland Empire

When: January 26, 6:00 AM PST to 2:00 PM PST
Where: San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys - the Inland Empire forecast zone
Measured: 62 kt (71 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 34.293, -116.086 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Very strong winds impacted the Inland Empire on January 26, with peak winds occurring during the late morning hours. Widespread wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph were observed. The following are the highest wind gusts across the Inland Empire:

SCE125 Devil Canyon reported a peak wind gust of 71 mph.|Rancho Cucamonga reported a peak wind gust of 65 mph.|Highland Springs reported a peak wind gust of 65 mph.|Ontario Airport reported a peak wind gust of 63 mph.|SCE157 Fontana reported a peak wind gust of 63 mph.|SCE809 SCU San Bernardino reported a peak wind gust of 63 mph.|SCE218 Chino Hills reported a peak wind gust of 62 mph.|SCE722 Lytle Creek reported a peak wind gust of 62 mph.|SCE271 North Fontana reported a peak wind gust of 61 mph.|SCE536 Fontana reported a peak wind gust of 60 mph.|SCE603 Verdemont reported a peak wind gust of 60 mph.

Impacts were especially felt across northern portions of the Inland Empire near Ontario, where numerous semi trucks were blown over, one instance where portions of I-15 were blocked by an overturned semi at I-10.

High Wind, San Diego County Mountains

When: January 26, 6:45 AM PST to 12:00 PM PST
Where: San Diego County Mountains forecast zone
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 33.028, -116.770 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Very strong winds impacted the I-8 corridor in the San Diego County Mountains the morning of January 26. Numerous semi-trucks were overturned near Campo, resulting in the closure of I-8 at Crestwood to divert traffic. I-8 west was eventually closed to high-profile vehicles to additional overturned big rigs. Winds were gusting around 70 to 80 mph at the time of the overturned vehicles, with a peak gust of 86 mph reported at mesonet station CWDSD Crestwood.

Strong Wind, San Diego County Coastal Areas

When: January 26, 7:00 AM PST to 4:00 PM PST
Where: San Diego County Coastal Areas forecast zone
Measured: 42 kt (48 mph) measured gust
Reported by: County Official
Coordinates: 33.028, -116.770 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds impacted Balboa Park on January 26, with wind gusts of 30 to 48 mph measured in the region surrounding the park. At least 35 trees were downed in Balboa Park, prompting city and county officials to close the park through the remainder of the day. One person was injured when a tree fell on her, with her sustaining minor injuries. Another tree fell on a car and broke a wind shield. Authorities worked to removed tree limbs and branches that fell and blocked area streets.

High Wind, San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning

When: January 26, 7:10 AM PST
Where: San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning forecast zone
Measured: 80 kt (92 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 33.744, -115.994 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Mesonet station 645SE Offroad Porter reported a peak wind gust of 92 mph in the San Gorgonio Pass.

Strong Wind, San Diego County Valleys

When: January 26, 8:00 AM PST to 12:00 PM PST
Where: San Diego County Valleys forecast zone
Measured: 48 kt (55 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 33.028, -116.770 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds impacted the San Diego County Valleys the morning of January 26. The Department of Highways reported numerous trees down across the county and two powerlines downed near Ramona, blocking the westbound lane. A big rig tipped over near Rancho Bernardo with asphalt blocking the slow lane, causing substantial traffic delays. A trained spotter reported a downed, 80-foot Euclid tree near Escondido.

Strong Wind, San Diego County Coastal Areas

When: January 26, 8:00 AM PST to 12:00 PM PST
Where: San Diego County Coastal Areas forecast zone
Measured: 35 kt (40 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.028, -116.770 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Gusty winds impacted San Diego County coastal areas through much of the morning on January 26. Numerous trees were downed near downtown and Balboa Park, with one tree blocking the onramp to northbound I-5. San Diego International Airport KSAN reported a peak wind gust of 40 mph.

High Wind, Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills

When: January 26, 9:00 AM PST to 12:00 PM PST
Where: Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills forecast zone
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 33.483, -116.847 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Very strong winds impacted the Santa Ana Mountains through much of the morning on January 26. Widespread wind gusts in excess of 50 mph occurred, especially from 9 AM through noon. The following are the strongest wind gusts in the Santa Ana Mountains:

Fremont Canyon reported a peak wind gust of 81 mph.|Pleasants Peak reported a peak wind gust of 75 mph.|Chino Hills reported a peak wind gust of 68 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 2023 Every state in 2023 This day in weather history Warnings in California, January 2023

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: 1074965, 1074777, 1074819, 1074778, 1074498, 1074790, 1074779, 1074780, 1074793.