A series of powerful winter storms affected Central and Southern California between the 18th and 22nd of January. As this series of storms moved across the area, they brought heavy rain, flash flooding, gusty winds, heavy snow and even severe weather to the area. By the 22nd, rainfall totals for this series of storms ranged from 4-8 inches over coastal areas to 8-16 inches in the foothills and mountains. Due to some very intense periods of rainfall, flash flooding and mud and debris flows occurred across the area. In the mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, 1 to 3 feet of new snowfall was reported. Strong southerly winds were common as each storm moved across the area with wind gusts as high as 71 MPH reported in some spots. Along with the rain and snow, some severe weather occurred across the area with reports of waterspouts, straight-line winds and even a weak tornado in the city of Ventura.

High Wind in SANTA CLARITA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-10 13:00:00 to 18-JAN-10 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Strong and gusty southeast winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the Santa Clarita Valley. The Saugus RAWS sensor reported southeast winds gusting to 64 MPH.

High Wind in SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CENTRAL COAST, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-10 11:40:00 to 18-JAN-10 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the coast of San Luis Obispo county. A weather spotter in Grover Beach reported south winds gusting to 60 MPH.

High Wind in ANTELOPE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-10 12:00:00 to 18-JAN-10 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the Antelope Valley. The Lake Palmdale RAWS sensor reported south winds gusting to 61 MPH while the sensor at Valyermo reported south winds gusting to 60 MPH.

Thunderstorm Wind in SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
From 21-JAN-10 11:40:00 to 21-JAN-10 11:50:00 (PST-8)
Location: SANTA BARBARA
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A microburst developed in the community of Santa Barbara. The downburst occurred along West Haley Avenue between Bath and De La Vina Streets. Several flowering trees were toppled upon power lines and vehicles.

Flash Flood in LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-10 12:25:00 to 19-JAN-10 13:15:00 (PST-8)
Location: CARSON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 3.20M
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A very intense thunderstorm produced heavy rain and flash flooding in southern Los Angeles county near the interchange of Interstates 405 and 710. An automated rain gage in the area reported 2.46 inches of rainfall in 45 minutes. With such intense rainfall, water was at least chest high across the area which stranded many vehicles and flooded numerous businesses.

Flash Flood in LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-10 12:17:00 to 18-JAN-10 16:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: RAVENNA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy showers and thunderstorms moved over the Station Burn area, producing intense rainfall rates and some damage associated with mud and debris flows. Automated rain gages in the area indicated hourly rainfall rates between 0.80 and 0.90 inches which exceeding established USGS thresholds. Per reports from emergency managers in Los Angeles county, the heavy rainfall produced some mud and debris flows which destroyed the rain gage located at Dunsmore.

High Wind in SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CENTRAL COAST, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-10 11:30:00 to 18-JAN-10 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the central coast of Santa Barbara county. The Vandenberg ASOS reported south winds gusting to 59 MPH.

Tornado in VENTURA, CALIFORNIA
From 21-JAN-10 12:25:00 to 21-JAN-10 12:28:00 (PST-8)
Location: MONTALVO
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A small EF-0 tornado touched down in the city of Ventura. Several homes, a car and a farm outbuilding were damaged.

High Wind in SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-10 10:00:00 to 20-JAN-10 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the mountains of San Luis Obispo county. The Carrizo RAWS sensor reported south winds gusting to 60 MPH.

High Wind in SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-10 07:10:00 to 20-JAN-10 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the mountains of Santa Barbara county. The Vandenberg Hills RAWS sensor reported sotuh winds gusting to 59 MPH.

High Wind in SANTA CLARITA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-10 14:00:00 to 20-JAN-10 17:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the Santa Clarita Valley. The Newhall Pass RAWS sensor reported south winds gusting to 58 MPH.

High Wind in SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-10 09:00:00 to 18-JAN-10 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm buffeted the area. The RAWS sensor at Carrizo reported south wind gusts to 60 MPH.

Tornado in SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-10 10:32:00 to 19-JAN-10 10:36:00 (PST-8)
Location: ELLWOOD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A small tornado developed over the Isla Vista area in the community of Goleta. Only minor damage was reported.

High Wind in SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-10 09:00:00 to 18-JAN-10 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm buffeted the mountains of San Luis Obispo county. The RAWS sensor at Carrizo reported south wind gusts to 60 MPH.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-10 17:07:00 to 20-JAN-10 17:10:00 (PST-8)
Location: GROVER CITY
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter in the Grover Beach area reported a thunderstorm wind gust of 58 MPH.

Thunderstorm Wind in LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
From 21-JAN-10 19:00:00 to 21-JAN-10 19:05:00 (PST-8)
Location: HOLLYDALE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported severe thunderstorm wind gusts that knocked down several trees in the Downey and Pico Rivera areas. Thunderstorm wind gusts were estimated to be 60 MPH.

Hail in VENTURA, CALIFORNIA
From 21-JAN-10 18:01:00 to 21-JAN-10 18:01:00 (PST-8)
Location: GREENWICH VLG
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter in the Agoura Hills area reported large hail with a diameter of 1.50 inches.

Winter Storm in VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-10 17:00:00 to 21-JAN-10 22:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A powerful winter storm brought heavy snowfall and gusty winds to the mountains of Ventura county. Cuddy Valley received 15 inches of snowfall while Mount Pinos reported between 12 and 18 inches of snowfall. Along with the heavy snowfall, strong and gusty southerly winds were reported across the mountains.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-10 06:05:00 to 20-JAN-10 06:10:00 (PST-8)
Location: CAYUCOS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter in the Cayucos area reported a thunderstorm wind gust of 58 MPH.

Flash Flood in LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
From 21-JAN-10 17:54:00 to 21-JAN-10 21:15:00 (PST-8)
Location: GLENDORA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy showers and thunderstorms moved across the Morris Burn area, bringing intense rainfall to the area. The automated rain gage at San Gabriel Dam reported 0.56 inches of rainfall in 30 minutes and 0.60 inches in one hour which exceeded established USGS thresholds. Per discussion with local emergency managers, some mud and debris flows likely occurred with the heavy rainfall.

Winter Storm in LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS EXCLUDING THE SANTA MONICA RANGE, CALIFORNIA
From 21-JAN-10 10:00:00 to 22-JAN-10 03:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A powerful winter storm brought heavy snowfall and gusty winds to the mountains of Los Angeles county. Local ski resorts reported significant snowfall with Wrightwood receiving 16 to 18 inches of snowfall and Mount Baldy receiving 18 to 24 inches of snowfall. Along with the heavy snowfall, strong and gusty southerly winds were reported across the mountains.

High Wind in SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS RECREATION AREA, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-10 12:00:00 to 20-JAN-10 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the Santa Monica Mountains. The automated sensor at Laguna Peak reported sustained south winds of 43 MPH with gusts as high as 60 MPH.

High Wind in ANTELOPE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-10 17:56:00 to 20-JAN-10 20:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 62.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the Antelope Valley. The Saddleback Butte RAWS sensor reported south winds gusting to 71 MPH.

High Wind in SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-10 11:10:00 to 18-JAN-10 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the mountains of Santa Barbara county. The Vandenberg Hills RAWS sensor reported south winds gusting to 62 MPH.

High Wind in LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS EXCLUDING THE SANTA MONICA RANGE, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-10 16:00:00 to 18-JAN-10 20:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the mountains of Los Angeles county. Numerous RAWS stations in the area reported wind gusts as high as 66 MPH.

High Wind in VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-10 16:00:00 to 18-JAN-10 20:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the mountains of Ventura county. Numerous RAWS stations in the area reported wind gusts as high as 66 MPH.

Flash Flood in VENTURA, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-10 14:00:00 to 20-JAN-10 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: NEWBURY PARK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A Ventura county man drowned in the Wildwood Park area of Thousand Oaks. The individual was hiking in the park to observe the local creeks that were flooded due to the heavy rainfall. The individual fell into one of the creeks and drowned.

High Wind in SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CENTRAL COAST, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-10 07:10:00 to 20-JAN-10 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the central coast of Santa Barbara county. The RAWS sensor at Vandenberg Hills reported south winds gusting to 59 MPH.

High Wind in SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-10 09:53:00 to 20-JAN-10 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Strong and gusty south winds associated with an approaching winter storm affected the interior valleys of San Luis Obispo county. The Carrizo RAWS sensor reported south winds gusting to 60 MPH while the ASOS at Paso Robles reported sustained south winds of 40 MPH.

Flash Flood in SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-10 11:10:00 to 18-JAN-10 13:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: HOPE RANCH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy showers and thunderstorms moved over the Jesusita Burn area, producing intense rainfall rates and some damage associated with mud and debris flows. Automated rain gages in the area indicated hourly rainfall rates between 0.75 and 1.00 inches which exceeding established USGS thresholds. Per reports from emergency managers in Santa Barbara county, the heavy rainfall produced some mud and debris flows which broke sections of some debris basins.