High Wind — Chiriaco Summit, California

2020-10-26 · Chiriaco Summit, California

Event narrative

Following a cold frontal passage, strong gusty north winds developed to the south of Joshua Tree National Park and in the vicinity of Chiriaco Summitt. Sustained winds of at least 40 mph developed and according to the department of highways, they blew over two semi-trucks driving on Interstate 10 about 3 miles west of Chiriaco Summit. It was likely that there were even stronger gusts at the time the trucks were blown over. High profile vehicles such as semis are extremely vulnerable to north winds that blow perpendicular to the interstate. There were no reports of injuries to the drivers. A High Wind Warning was in effect at the time of the accidents.

Wider weather episode

During the morning hours on October 26th, a strong cold front dropped south through far southeast California and in the process, strong and gusty northerly winds developed across portions of eastern Riverside County. Some of the strongest winds occurred to the south of Joshua Tree National Park between Indio and Desert Center. Around 0500 PDT, north winds estimated to be at least 40 mph sustained blew over several semi tractor-trailer trucks driving on Interstate 10. A High Wind Warning was in effect at the time the trucks were blown over. There were no injuries reported to the drivers of the trucks.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 920678. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.