High Wind — Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, California

2013-02-23 to 2013-02-24 · Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, California

Event narrative

Strong north to northeast winds were reported in the Santa Monica Mountains. The RAWS sensor at Malibu Hills reported wind gusts as high as 63 MPH. At Laguna Peak, sustained winds of 53 MPH were reported along with gusts to 71 MPH.

Wider weather episode

Strong Santa Ana winds developed across the mountains and interior valleys of Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Strong surface high pressure developed in the Great Basin, generating a strong northeasterly pressure gradient. This strong surface gradient, combined with good upper level wind and thermal support, produced wind gusts in excess of 70 MPH.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 436921. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.