High Wind — Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills, California

2023-10-29 to 2023-10-31 · Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills, California

Event narrative

Gusty Santa Ana winds occurred across the Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills from the morning on October 29 through the early morning hours on October 31. Widespread wind gusts over 35 mph were recorded in this area. The following are the strongest wind gusts that occurred in the Santa Ana Mountains/Foothills:

Fremont Canyon (1780'): 75 MPH

Pleasants Peak (3871'): 67 MPH

Upper Talega (2299'): 58 MPH

Trabuco Canyon (1501'): 57 MPH

Pleasants Peak (3895'): 56 MPH.

Wider weather episode

Widespread gusty Santa Ana winds impacted Southern California October 29-31, 2023. The strongest wind gusts were reported in the San Bernardino County Mountains through northern portions of the Inland Empire and the Santa Ana Mountains. Very windy and dry conditions led to an environment ripe for wildfire growth. Several small wildfires burned, and the larger Highland Fire burned for over a week in the southern Inland Empire.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1144385. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.