High Wind — San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning, California

2023-10-28 to 2023-10-31 · San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning, California

Event narrative

Gusty Santa Ana winds occurred across the San Gorgonio Pass from the morning on October 28 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 San Gorgonio Pass:

Banning (2442'): 72 MPH

Cabazon (1596'): 50 MPH

Whitewater (1681'): 50 MPH

Beaumont (2339'): 50 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 1144386. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.