High Wind — San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys - the Inland Empire, California

2011-01-14 · San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys - the Inland Empire, California

Event narrative

Moderately high winds, estimated between 40 and 50 MPH, were blamed for downed power lines and a subsequent transformer explosion which killed three residents in the 5400 block of Acacia Avenue in San Bernardino, CA. The residents went outside to see what caused the explosion and a few small spot fires from sparks, and were electrocuted trying to extinguish the fires and help each other. A water line ruptured at the victims' house and 2700 customers also lost power because of the downed lines.

Wider weather episode

A Santa Ana event caused areas of gusty winds in the mountains. Winds were blamed for playing a role in 3 fatalities.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 278536. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.