Heavy Rain — Orange, California

2005-02-18 to 2005-02-23 · near Huntington Beach, Orange, California

Wider weather episode

An extended period of very wet weather dumped more than 3 to 6 inches of rain along the coast and inland valleys, more than 6 to 12 inches in the foothills and mountains, and more than 2 inches in the deserts. Some of the more impressive totals in inches are 6.80 at Fullerton Airport, 12.33 at Lake Arrowhead, and 18.79 at Lytle Creek. The San Diego River crested above flood stage at 11.46 feet, and the San Luis Rey River crested a half foot below flood stage at 15.89 feet. Lake Hodges, which was at 17% of capacity before the rains started in October, began to spill on the 21st. Mudslides again damaged roads and destroyed homes. The ground became too saturated to support some trees, and many fell, causing considerable damage to property. Inland Empire Dairies suffered greatly from the storms. Dairy farm losses are estimated at $12 million in Riverside County and $26 million in San Bernardino County. It is estimated that 70 to 90 percent of the 1300 miles of back roads in the San Bernardino National Forest were left damaged beyond use. It will cost an estimated $10 to $15 million to repair the damage. The heavy rain raised season rainfall totals to the 3rd wettest all time at San Diego Lindbergh Field as well as many other locations.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5441771. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.