Strong Wind — Western Mojave Desert, California
2008-11-09 · Western Mojave Desert, California
4
Direct deaths
$1.0M
Property damage
46 MG
Magnitude
Event narrative
A 13-vehicle pileup occurred on Interstate 40 near Newberry Springs, killing four people (indirect fatalities). The Barstow-Daggett airport, located about 15 miles west of the crash site, measured a peak wind gust of 53 mph approximately 30 minutes before the crash occurred. Visibility was reported to be poor due to blowing dust at the time of the crash.
Wider weather episode
Strong winds ahead of an approaching storm system buffeted the Mojave Desert, raising areas of blowing dust. Poor visibility contributed to a 13-vehicle pileup on Interstate 40, killing four people.
Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 135072. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.