Strong Wind — Chiriaco Summit, California

2021-12-14 · Chiriaco Summit, California

$2K

Property damage

49 MG

Magnitude

Event narrative

California Highway Patrol reported an empty semi-truck was rolled onto its side on Interstate-8, near the Yuha Cutoff, due to strong gusty conditions. A nearby mesonet weather station (IMPSD), measured a 56 mph wind gust around the same time as the rollover, at 1340PST. No injuries were reported and no damage estimates for the semi-truck were provided.

Wider weather episode

A strong trough and surface cold front moved through Imperial County in evening of the 14th. A strong pressure gradient generated strong winds and surface gusts. Wind gusts between 50-55 mph were common with a few locally stronger gusts. A 63 mph gust was measured in the southwest corner of Imperial County. In this area there was also a semi-truck that rolled onto its side along Interstate-8 due to the wind gusts.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 992694. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.