High Wind — Orange County Coastal Plain, California

1998-02-03 · Orange County Coastal Plain, California

Wider weather episode

A deep low pressure trough moved through California accompanied by strong surface winds and heavy downpours. The strongest winds were clocked in Orange County and through the mountains of San Bernardino County, in advance of the storm. During the morning hours, winds gusted to 60 mph in many areas, felling trees, breaking tree branches, and causing scattered power outages. Moderate, to locally heavy rain flooded some intersections and streets throughout coastal areas, and left low-lying areas under water. Rising flood waters briefly stranded motorists, but in general, most flooding problems were routine. San Clemente was one of the hardest hit areas with almost 2.5 inches of rain and thunderstorm gusts to 55 mph. Snow fell as low as 4500 feet, and the weight of it snapped tree branches and power lines. On the third and the fourth, Border Patrol Agents found 12 illegal immigrants near Campo, suffering from hypothermia. Two other young men succumbed to the combination of strong winds, cold temperatures, and rain. Their bodies were found in rugged terrain near Campo on the seventh.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5631289. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.