High Wind — Antelope Valley, California

2008-05-21 · Antelope Valley, California

Event narrative

The Poppy Park RAWS sensor reported westerly wind gusts between 58 and 61 mph.

Wider weather episode

A cold and unseasonable upper level low pressure system brought strong winds, strong thunderstorms and flash flooding to Southern California. The upper level low first brought strong and gusty northerly winds to the mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles counties as well as the Antelope Valley. Northerly wind gusts between 58 and 85 mph were reported by various automated sensors. As the upper low moved directly over Southern California, the winds diminished, but moisture and instability increased. Over east-central Los Angeles county, strong thunderstorms developed, producing damaging winds and heavy rain. In Azusa, severe thunderstorm winds knocked power poles and lines. In Baldwin Park, over one inch of small hail accumulated. The strong thunderstorms also brought heavy rain and flash flooding to the area. Significant flooding and lane closures were reported along Interstate 10 and Interstate 605.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 89733. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.