Flash Flood in Kern County, California

Tehachapi Willow Spring Road with Backus Road closed due to flooding.

On the 18th and 19th, abundant rainfall fell in much of our forecast area due to the remnants of a tropical storm (Mario) that moved over the eastern Pacific Ocean from along the coast of Baja California. The heaviest precipitation was reported in the Kern County desert towards the Indian Wells Valley where around 2-3 inches of rain fell on the 18th. Other locations in the San Joaquin Valley, such as Hanford and Kingsburg, exceeded one inch during the 18th into the 19th. Fresno received 0.81 inch during this period. Record high daily precipitation values were reported at Hanford on both days. Afternoon high temperatures cooled markedly during this period. On the afternoon of the 18th, a funnel cloud was also reported in the Kern County desert near Rosamond.