Strong Wind — Western Mojave Desert, California

2007-01-05 · Western Mojave Desert, California

Event narrative

Strong winds and blowing dust contributed to several wrecks on Interstate 15 between Barstow and Baker. A tour bus rear-ended a minivan on I-15 northbound near the Ghost Town Road exit near Yermo, CA around 9:30 AM PST. Two passengers in the minivan were killed, and four others were injured. A total of three subsequent collisions occurred on both sides of the interstate in the same area, causing two additional injuries. Several spotters and mesonet observations in the area reported sustained winds of 25-35 mph with gusts of 50-55 mph.

Wider weather episode

A strong cold front moved through the Mojave Desert, bringing gusty north winds to much of San Bernardino County California.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 7464. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.