High Wind — Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills, California

2023-01-26 · Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills, California

Event narrative

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.

Wider weather episode

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.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1074793. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.