High Wind in Central San Joaquin Valley, California

Much like the Southern San Joaquin Valley but not quite as widespread, high wind in the Central San Joaquin Valley was also experienced...especially for Fresno County. Trees were uprooted in the Caruthers, Riverdale, and Easton areas at 0825 PST...with numerous autos and houses damaged in Selma by downed trees at 0855 PST. Powerlines were downed by felled trees causing power outages...over 22,000 electric customers in Fresno County were without power due to the high wind with several roads also closed due to wind-downed obstructions. The highest wind at the Fresno ASOS was a southeast wind gust to 37 Kts at 0949 PST. Some wind damage was still being reported at 1600 PST in the Clovis area. This gradient high wind episode accompanied the occurrence on 2/3/98 of the lowest Fresno February sea level pressure reading of 29.26" Hg eclipsing the old record of 29.32" Hg set in 1981.