High Wind — S Sierra Mtns, California

2019-02-14 · S Sierra Mtns, California

Event narrative

The Crane Flat RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 76 mph.

Wider weather episode

A deep moisture plume moved through central California on February 13 and 14 as a strong low pressure system approached the area. Heavy rainfall and strong southerly winds impacted the area as this moisture moved through the area. Several reports of winds gusts exceeding 60 mph were reported and snow levels rose to near 9000 feet which resulted in widespread flooding in the area and several road closures from flooding and debris flows were reported. A strong cold front pushed through the area during the morning of February 15 which resulted in snow levels plummeting to around 5000 feet. Thunderstorms broke out in the colder and unstable post-frontal airmass and several reports of small hail were observed in the San Joaquin Valley. In addition, a small EF 0 tornado briefly touched down n ear Yosemite Lakes and funnel clouds were observed in the San Joaquin Valley. A colder system moved into the area on February 16 and snow levels lowered further down to 1500 feet. Low elevation snowfall on February 16 and 17 resulted in numerous road closures and travel delays and there were several reports of 10 to 20 inches of new snowfall reported in the Southern Sierra Nevada between the evening of February 15 and the evening of February 17. Rainfall totals between February 13 and February 17 were generally between 3 and 7 inches of liquid precipitation in the higher elevations of the Southern Sierra Nevada with 2 to 5 inches in the adjacent foothills. Much of the San Joaquin Valley picked up between a half inch and an inch and a half of rainfall during this period while the Tehachapi Mountains generally picked up between 1 to 2 inches of liquid precipitation during the 5 day period.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 798011. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.