Dense Fog — Kern Cty Mtns, California

2017-01-05 · Kern Cty Mtns, California

Event narrative

California Highway Patrol reported multiple accidents due to fog at 1315 PST along eastbound State Route 58 and eastbound State Route 223 near Towerline Road in which one fatality was reported along with several injuries. The multi-vehicle accidents involved around 19 vehicles including at least one semi-truck.

Wider weather episode

Low pressure moving southeastward into central CA from the Pacific Northwest allowed subtropical moisture stream to be pumped into the region bringing heavy rainfall to the San Joaquin Valley and foothill areas. Orographic lifting caused intensification of rains at times. Heavy mountain snows also occurred. Low clouds and fog from the orographic lifting also created dangerous driving conditions for the Kern County mountain passes.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 673994. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.