Thunderstorm Wind in Imperial County, California

Downed trees and powerlines along State Route 98, approximately 2.6-3.6 miles west of Calexico, requiring the closure of the highway. Wind gusts were estimated at 55-60 mph. No injuries were reported.

The subtropical high pressure was situated near the Four Corners Region with south to southeasterly flow in place across much of southern CA. This southerly flow pulled in abundant moisture with Precipitable Water Values exceeding 1.5. The combination of the moisture and daytime heating resulted in MLCAPE in excess of 1000 J/KG with DCAPE values in excess of 1500 J/KG. Widespread thunderstorms developed during the early afternoon across the San Diego Mountains and the northern Baja chain with an isolated severe thunderstorm erupting over southern portions of the Imperial Valley just southwest of El Centro. This thunderstorm was nearly stationary producing damaging winds and blowing dust.