Flash Flood — San Bernardino, California

1999-07-12 · near Twenty Nine Palms, San Bernardino, California

Wider weather episode

Thunderstorms formed in a southwest to northeast band during the evening from the Lucerne Valley through the northwest part of the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Training Center and across I-40 into the Devils Playground. Estimated rainfall amounts ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 inches across the area. Law enforcement officials reported sections of road swept away along State Route 247 between Lucerne Valley and Landers. State Route 62 in the vicinity of Joshua Tree was also flooded in places as were other secondary roads.The most significant event occurred at approximately 10:20 p.m. PDT when flash flood waters caught a light armored vehicle on the Marine Corps training grounds and one man was thrown from the vehicle and swept away by the swift current. His body was found shortly thereafter and he was later pronounced dead at the base hospital.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5715736. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.