Cold/Wind Chill — Northern San Joaquin Valley, California

2024-05-09 to 2024-05-11 · Northern San Joaquin Valley, California

Event narrative

On May 9th, a 30 year old female was watching her children play in the water and noticed her 11 year old daughter struggling to keep her head above water. The 30 year old female then jumped into the river to help, but also struggled to stay afloat. Soon after seeing this, her 14 year old son then jumped in the water to help. The 14 year old and 11 year old were able to make it safely back to shore, but the 30 year old female did not. At 6:30 PM on May 9th, a 911 call was received for a water rescue in the San Joaquin River. Then, at 5:30 PM on May 11th, the body of the 30 year old female was recovered in the San Joaquin River by a volunteer diver. Water temperatures in the mid 60s to low 70s between Crows Landing and Hills Ferry over the weekend. San Joaquin River - Newman gage indicated river stage around 51.8 feet on May 9th at 5 PM, with stage gradually rising to 53.8 feet by Saturday, May 11th at 6:45 PM.

Wider weather episode

A 30 year old female was swept away by cold and fast moving currents along the San Joaquin River near Newman on May 9th. She drowned, and her body was found on May 11th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1166629. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.