High Wind — Orange County Coastal Areas, California

2011-03-20 · Orange County Coastal Areas, California

Event narrative

A wind gust of 52 knots was measured by a Huntington Beach lifeguard between 1315 and 1415 PST on the 20th. He also reported the wind blowing sand and trash cans around the beach.

Wider weather episode

A strong low pressure system dug through southern California, bringing very strong winds, heavy rain and heavy snow, with blizzard conditions in the mountains. Several inches of rain were reported at favored upslope locations. The strongest winds occurred over the high desert where winds exceeded 110 mph at times, causing considerable damage in the Apple Valley area. Behind the front, scattered thunderstorms dropped more rain, periods of hail, and a few waterspouts, but causing only minor urban flooding.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 293136. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.