Strong Wind — Coachella Valley, California

2024-01-10 to 2024-01-11 · Coachella Valley, California

Event narrative

Strong winds impacted the Coachella Valley from the late evening of January 10 through the late morning hours on January 11. The strongest winds occurred from early to mid-morning on January 11. The following are the strongest winds recorded across the zone:

Palm Springs Airport: 53 MPH (392')

Boyd Deep Cyn Reserve: 52 MPH (979')

Palm Springs Tram (SCE361): 49 MPH (2200')

Palm Canyon (49 MPH).

Gene Autry and Vista Chino at the wash were closed due to blowing sand and reduced visibility early in the morning on January 11. A big rig was overturned at the I-10 W/Dillon Road onramp, resulting in a closure of the onramp.

Wider weather episode

A fast-moving storm system produced strong winds across much of Southern California January 10-11, with the highest winds recorded in the mountains and along the desert slopes the morning of January 11. Scattered showers occurred mainly across San Diego County, and several inches of snow were recorded in the San Bernardino and Riverside County Mountains.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1159292. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.