Dense Fog — Sw S.j. Valley, California

2019-01-23 · Sw S.j. Valley, California

Event narrative

Visibility below a quarter mile was reported in Hanford. Several school districts delayed bus service. California Highway Patrol reported a 5 vehicle accident occurred at the intersection of 6th Ave. and Excelsior Ave. 7 miles NE of Hanford with visibility around 250 feet at the time of the accident.

Wider weather episode

A large upper ridge built inland into California on January 22. This ridge remained dominant over the region for several days and resulted in a period of dry weather. However, inversion conditions prevailed in the San Joaquin Valley and with mainly clear skies and light winds dense fog became prevalent in some areas during the nighttime and morning hours. During the morning of January 23, dense fog impacted travel near Hanford and Visalia and a 5 vehicle accident took place northeast of Hanford in dense fog. The fog dissipated by late morning.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 793996. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.