Heavy Snow — Apple and Yucca Valleys, California

2002-03-18 · Apple and Yucca Valleys, California

Wider weather episode

Border Patrol agents rescued five separate groups of people who were lightly clad and suffering from hypothermia in the San Diego Mountains near Pine Valley. Whiteout conditions were reported over the High Desert areas. The snow level was near 2500 feet. More than 12 inches of snow fell above 6000 level in less than 12 hours. Thunderstorms were present during the middle of the night. Lightning struck an aircraft on final approach into San Diego International Airport. Small hail was reported over the Apple Valley.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5281720. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.