An upper-level trough coupled with a 125 MPH jet max and strong onshore pressure gradients brought light rain and strong winds to Southern California on March 22nd. Gusty winds knocked down trees, freeway signs, and power lines in the mountains and deserts. Two fires were reported during this time, both of which caused damage to structures and trees.

Wildfire in COACHELLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 22-MAR-09 13:05:00 to 22-MAR-09 14:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 6.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

A vegetation fire fueled by gusty winds spread to a single family home near La Quinta and partially destroyed the roof.

Wildfire in COACHELLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 22-MAR-09 13:45:00 to 22-MAR-09 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 60.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

A vegetation fire fueled by gusty winds spread through Lake Cahuilla Park near La Quinta. The fire destroyed playground equipment, an awning of a building, and 35 palm trees.

High Wind in RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 22-MAR-09 13:36:00 to 22-MAR-09 16:36:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

High winds began at the Pinyon Pines RAWS between 1236 and 1336 PST, during which time a peak wind gust of 61 MPH was measured. High winds ended between 1536 and 1636 PST.

High Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 22-MAR-09 14:50:00 to 22-MAR-09 15:50:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

High winds began between 1350 and 1450 PST, at which time a peak wind gust of 59 MPH occurred. High winds ended by 1550 PST.

High Wind in APPLE AND LUCERNE VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 22-MAR-09 08:00:00 to 22-MAR-09 09:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported a gust of 65 MPH around 0830 PST in Lucerne Valley.

High Wind in COACHELLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 22-MAR-09 07:50:00 to 22-MAR-09 17:50:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

High winds began in the Coachella Valley around 0650 PST. Between 1350 and 1450 PST, a peak wind gust of 62 MPH was measured in Whitewater. The high winds resulted in an overturned car along Interstate 10 in Indio, as well as numerous trees and power lines down. Approximately 13,400 customers were without power.
High winds were also observed at Thermal Regional Airport. About a dozen flights into Palm Springs International Airport were diverted due to the winds.

Dust Storm in COACHELLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 22-MAR-09 08:23:00 to 22-MAR-09 08:52:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Visibility of 0.25 miles due to blowing dust was observed at Thermal Regional Airport from 0823 to 0852 PST.

High Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY DESERTS, CALIFORNIA
From 22-MAR-09 13:03:00 to 22-MAR-09 13:24:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

High winds occurred in Ocotillo Wells between 1303 and 1324 PST. At 1317 PST, a peak wind gust of 63 MPH was measured.
Along Interstate 8 near In-Ko-Pah, large freeway signs blew down onto the Eastbound lanes. High winds also triggered a rock slide along San Diego County Road S22 between mile markers 13.5 and 15.

High Wind in SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 22-MAR-09 06:51:00 to 22-MAR-09 16:51:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

High winds began at the Burns Canyon RAWS at 0651 PST. Between 0651 and 0751 PST, a peak gust of 73 MPH was measured. High winds ended between 1651 and 1751 PST.