High Wind — Chiriaco Summit, California

2020-10-26 · Chiriaco Summit, California

Event narrative

During the morning hours on October 26th, strong gusty north winds developed across portions of eastern Riverside County in the wake of a passing cold front. Strong north winds developed to the south of Joshua Tree National Park and they were sufficient to blow over 2 semi-trucks around 0530PST. The accidents were reported by the department of highways. The trucks were driving on Interstate 10 about 6 miles south of the Cottonwood Visitor Center of Joshua Tree NP and were overturned west of Chiriaco Summit near Box Canyon Road. Sustained speeds were estimated to be at least 40 mph and there were likely higher gusts present. There were no injuries reported 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 920679. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.