If one falls on the vehicle, remain inside. The truck struck a steel guardrail, rammed through a fence and into an almond orchard, where it struck a tree. The driver's name and cause of death were not immediately made public. He was not wearing a seat belt and had no visible injuries, the CHP said. It was too early to tell whether the powerful winds caused crop damage, said officials with agriculture departments in Fresno and Kings counties.
Almond trees are especially vulnerable to toppling by winds if the ground is saturated.
Plann and Tim Niswander, assistant agricultural commissioner for Kings County, said such winds can cause scarring of developing fruit that includes peaches, plums and nectarines. They can also cause blowing sand, which can sever cotton plants. But there were no immediate reports of crop damage in either county. The high-wind advisory was in effect in west Fresno County until 11 p.m. Wednesday. Winds blew at 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph.