Flood and Heavy Snow in California, March 1 to 3, 2024

Name: Flood and Heavy Snow in California, March 1 to 3, 2024
Start: 2024-03-01T18:00
End: 2024-03-03T22:00
Location: California

March 1 to 3, 2024 · NWS SGX · 11 events in 9 counties and zones

Strong Winds and Widespread Precipitation Impact Southern California on March 2. The strongest winds were reported in the mountains and along the desert slopes, where gusts over 70 mph occurred.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 6 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

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The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 11

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.

Strong Winds and Widespread Precipitation Impact Southern California on March 2. The strongest winds were reported in the mountains and along the desert slopes, where gusts over 70 mph occurred. Widely beneficial precipitation fell, but reports of flooding were received in the San Bernardino County Mountains.

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 Mar 1, 1:48 PM PST, 4 hours 12 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 1, 1:48 PM PST, 4 hours 12 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service San Diego CA
148 PM PST Fri Mar 1 2024

.SYNOPSIS...
Very strong wind and periods of rain and mountain snow will occur
this weekend. Winds will peak Saturday afternoon and evening, when
gusts of 70-80 mph could occur across the mountains and desert
slopes, and isolated gusts to 90 mph in wind-prone areas.
Precipitation is expected to be most widespread during the day on
Saturday, but is not expected to be overly heavy. Drier and
slightly warmer next Monday and Tuesday before cooler temperatures
and precipitation chances develop again by the middle of next
week.

&&

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

A very strong 510 DM low is churning off the coast of British
Columbia today. Onshore flow is strengthening across Southern
California, and peak gusts of 45-50 mph have already been recorded
through the San Gorgonio Pass and the San Bernardino County
Mountains. Patchy mid-levels clouds will stick around west of the
mountains through this afternoon, increasing in coverage across
Orange County and the Inland Empire this evening.

The elongated trough will move inland across the Pacific Northwest
Saturday morning, and increasing moisture will lead to the
development of light showers late tonight across northern areas
(Orange and San Bernardino Counties), spreading farther south and
east into Riverside and San Diego Counties Saturday morning.
Showers will become more widespread Saturday morning, and most
areas will see off and on rain through much of the day. The latest
hi-res models continued to show slightly heavier precipitation
amounts in the San Bernardino County Mountains, so rain totals
were increased.

Forecast Rain Amounts:
Orange County/Inland Empire: 0.25-0.50". San Diego Coast/Valleys:
0.10-0.40". San Bernardino County Mountains: 0.75-2.00", local
amounts up to 5.00" on south-facing slopes. Riverside/San Diego
County Mountains: 0.50-1.50", local amounts up to 2.00" on west-
facing slopes. Deserts: 0.00-0.15".

Snow levels are expected to hover around 6000-6500 feet through
Saturday, falling to 5500 feet Saturday night, and as low as
4500-5000 feet by Sunday morning.

Very strong winds are expected this weekend, with the strongest
occurring along the mountains and deserts slopes Saturday
afternoon and evening. Isolated wind gusts of 85-90 mph will be
possible, especially in the San Bernardino/Riverside County
Mountains during this time. Very strong winds combined with
pockets of heavy snow could lead to very treacherous travel
conditions this weekend, so do not travel in these areas unless
for essential purposes. Surface pressure gradients will begin to
relax on Sunday, but an additional weak shortwave will lead to a
slight uptick in wind again Sunday night into Monday.

It will be a chilly weekend, with highs ranging 5-15 degrees below
normal away from the coast on Saturday, and 8-20 degrees below
normal on Sunday.

The core of the storm system will race eastward early next week
and weak ridging will lead to slight warming on Monday and
Tuesday. Another low pressure system develops by the middle of
next week, leading to the next chance of widespread precipitation.
Ensemble means show a farther west track than the system this
weekend, but substantial spread exists amongst individual ensemble
members in regards to rain amounts. Regardless of exact track,
this looks to usher in a few days of cooler temperatures and the
return of breezy onshore winds.

&&

.AVIATION...
012100Z...Coast/Valleys...SCT-BKN025-050 for most of the TAF period.
Areas of RA expected around 09Z Sat for Orange County and the Inland
Empire. RA will move south into San Diego County 12-14Z Sat. Periods
of SHRA expected through at least 00Z Sun. Cigs will be 2000-3500 ft
MSL, locally down to 1000 ft MSL in heavier showers. Areas of vis
down to 2-4 SM in SHRA. Along the coast southerly winds from 180-200
degrees could gust to 20 kt at times, most likely 17-20Z Sat.

Mountains/Deserts...West and southwest facing mountain slopes obscd
in clouds and fog at times today especially in the San Bernardino
County mountains, becoming more widespread to the Riverside and San
Diego County mountains after 06Z Sat. Mostly clear in the deserts
today with increasing mid to high clouds Sat. Areas of SHRA/SHSN in
the mountains increasing after 06Z Sat. Strong winds and falling
snow may limit visibility significantly in the mountains Sat and Sun
especially above 6000 ft.

SW-W wind gusts 25-35 kt on the desert mountain slopes and into the
deserts with MOD UDDFS/LLWS through this afternoon. Increasing winds
06Z-20Z Sat, with gusts 40 to 65 kt on the desert slopes of the
mountains. After 20Z winds increasing to 50-70 kt. In the deserts,
peak gusts will be 30-40 kt 06-20Z Sat, with gusts to 55 kt after
20Z. Winds will likely be stronger after 00Z Sun, with gusts near 80
kt possible on the desert mountain slopes of the mountains. Strong
LLWS and severe turbulence expected over the mountains and into the
deserts. Strong winds are expected to continue into Sunday morning.

&&

.MARINE...
Periods of westerly winds gusting near 20 kt expected overnight
tonight into early Sunday. West winds are expected to become
northwest and increase for Sunday into early Monday, with peak gusts
of 22-25 kt. Choppy seas from a short-period wind swell.

&&

.BEACHES...
Elevated to high surf is expected Saturday evening into Monday
morning. The increase in surf is the result of a long-period
northwest swell (280-290 degrees) of about 4 feet, followed by a
short-period northwest of about 5-7 feet. Surf of 4-6 ft possible at
Orange County beaches, highest near Huntington Beach. For San Diego
County 5-7 feet expected, highest surf will be on exposed west-
facing beaches. Strong rip currents are expected.

&&

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

&&

.SGX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CA...High Surf Advisory from 4 PM Saturday to 9 AM PST Monday for San
     Diego County Coastal Areas.

     High Wind Warning from 6 PM this evening to noon PST Sunday for
     Apple and Lucerne Valleys-San Bernardino County Mountains-
     San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning.

     Winter Storm Warning from 10 PM this evening to 6 AM PST Sunday
     for San Bernardino County Mountains.

     High Wind Warning from 6 AM Saturday to noon PST Sunday for
     Riverside County Mountains-San Diego County Mountains.

     Winter Storm Warning from 6 AM Saturday to 6 AM PST Sunday for
     Riverside County Mountains.

     Wind Advisory from noon Saturday to midnight PST Saturday night
     for Coachella Valley-San Diego County Deserts.

     Beach Hazards Statement from Saturday afternoon through Monday
     morning for Orange County Coastal Areas.

PZ...Small Craft Advisory from 10 AM Sunday to 9 AM PST Monday 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...EA
AVIATION/MARINE...CO

The radar

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

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

5 high wind, 4 heavy rain, 1 heavy snow, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

High Wind, San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning

When: March 1, 6:00 PM PST to March 3, 10:00 PM PST
Where: San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning forecast zone
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) measured gust
Reported by: RAWS
Coordinates: 33.744, -115.994 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds occurred across the San Gorgonio Pass from the evening on March 1 through March 3. The strongest winds during the afternoon through the mid-evening hours on March 2. The following are the strongest wind reports from this zone:

High Wind, San Bernardino County Mountains

When: March 1, 6:00 PM PST to March 3, 10:00 PM PST
Where: San Bernardino County Mountains forecast zone
Measured: 68 kt (78 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.841, -116.178 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds occurred across the San Bernardino County Mountains from the evening on March 1 through March 3. The strongest winds during the afternoon through late-evening hours on March 2. The following are the strongest wind reports from this zone:

High Wind, Apple and Lucerne Valleys

When: March 1, 6:00 PM PST to March 3, 10:00 PM PST
Where: Apple and Lucerne Valleys forecast zone
Measured: 82 kt (94 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.841, -116.178 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds occurred across the Apple and Lucerne Valleys from the evening on March 1 through March 3. The strongest winds during the morning through mid-afternoon hours on March 2. The following are the strongest wind reports from this zone:

Cushenbury Springs (4099'): 94 MPH. This was the strongest report of the event.|Lucerne Valley (3946'): 86 MPH|Lucerne Valley (4490'): 78 MPH|Lucerne Valley (3938'): 66 MPH|Apple Valley Airport (2958'): 58 MPH.

Heavy Snow, San Bernardino County Mountains

When: March 1, 10:00 PM PST to March 3, 6:00 AM PST
Where: San Bernardino County Mountains forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.841, -116.178 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Heavy snow fell across the San Bernardino County Mountains from late in the evening on March 1 through the early morning hours on March 3. Areas near Mount Baldy saw 3-14, with severe icing also reported.

Heavy Rain, Orange

When: March 2, 12:00 AM PST to March 3, 12:00 AM PST
Where: Orange County, (Ful)fullerton Muni to 0.99 mi NNE of Silverado
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 33.870, -117.980

Heavy rain fell across Orange County, mainly during the day on March 2. Santiago Peak reported rainfall of 4.41, with Upper Harding Cyn seeing 3.19. Most areas in the Santa Ana Mountains saw 0.75-2.5. The coast and valleys in Orange County saw anywhere from 0.25-0.90.

Heavy Rain, San Bernardino

When: March 2, 12:00 AM PST to March 3, 12:00 AM PST
Where: San Bernardino County, (Cno)chino Arpt to 2.19 mi NE of Green Vly Lake
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 33.980, -117.630

Heavy precipitation fell across San Bernardino County on March 2. Most mountain locations saw 1.00-3.00, though some locations saw over 5 inches of rain. Lower elevations in the Inland Empire saw 0.50-2.00.

Heavy Rain, Riverside

When: March 2, 12:00 AM PST to March 3, 12:00 AM PST
Where: Riverside County, 1.01 mi ENE of Quail Vly to 1.53 mi WNW of Pine Cove
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 33.705, -117.234

Heavy rain fell across Riverside County on March 2. The mountains saw accumulations of 0.50-1.80, while lower elevations in the Inland Empire saw 0.20-0.80. The lower deserts saw minimal accumulations.

Heavy Rain, San Diego

When: March 2, 12:00 AM PST to March 3, 12:00 AM PST
Where: San Diego County, (Crq)palomar Arpt Ca to 4.84 mi N of Descanso
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 33.130, -117.280

Heavy rain fell across San Diego County on March 2. The mountains saw accumulations of 0.50-2.50, while lower elevations across the coast and valleys saw 0.25-1.00, with locally higher amounts. The lower deserts saw minimal accumulations.

High Wind, San Diego County Mountains

When: March 2, 6:00 AM PST to March 3, 10:00 PM PST
Where: San Diego County Mountains forecast zone
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 33.028, -116.770 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds occurred across the San Diego County Mountains from the early morning on March 2 through March 3. The strongest winds during the late morning through late evening on March 2. The following are the strongest wind reports from this zone:

Pine Valley - Horse Launch (4399'): 70 MPH|Boulevard West (3403'): 67 MPH|Harrison Park (4860'): 64 MPH|Lucky Five Ranch (4740'): 58 MPH|Ranchita (4415'): 58 MPH.

Flood, San Bernardino

When: March 2, 11:30 AM PST
Where: San Bernardino County, 1 mi NNE of Crestline to 0.9 mi NNE of Crestline
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 34.243, -117.293

SR 138 wash out. State Highway is closed due to damage from flooding. 3 gauges received 4 inches of rain from 1 am to 5 pm March 2. Caltrans reported the road was undermined from water.

High Wind, Coachella Valley

When: March 2, 3:06 PM PST
Where: Coachella Valley forecast zone
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 33.744, -115.994 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

ASOS station KTRM at Thermal Airport reported a peak wind gust of 61 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.
Heavy Snow: Snowfall reaching the local warning threshold without the other hazards of a winter storm.
Heavy Rain: Rainfall totals unusual for the place and season that did not produce a flood.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in California in 2024 Every state in 2024 This day in weather history Warnings in California, March 2024

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: 1165489, 1165491, 1165493, 1168786, 1168782, 1168783, 1168784, 1168785, 1165490, 1168781, 1165492.