Strong Wind — San Diego County Mountains, California

2019-12-31 · San Diego County Mountains, California

Event narrative

CalTrans reported a fatality on Highway 79 near Aguanga around 0545 AM PST on December 31st. The individual drove into a downed tree across the highway. Winds are estimated to be around 40 mph at the time of the accident.

Wider weather episode

A low pressure system from the north moved into Southern California, bringing rain, mountain snow and gusty winds. The San Bernardino Mountains received a few inches of snow, heaviest overnight on the 30th. Snow Summit received 4-6 inches, Big Bear City received 4 inches, and Big Bear Lake received 2-3 inches. Winds were a big impact with this storm, especially in the mountains and passes. The Cajon Pass (I-15) had numerous big rigs overturned due to strong winds. A fatality occurred on highway 79, where the driver drove the car into a downed tree over the highway.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 870491. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.