A powerful, elongated jet brought back to back storm systems (one on the 21st and one on the 23rd) through southern California with very strong west-northwest winds in all of the mountain and desert areas. Probably the most damage occurred in the Coachella Valley, where a prominent professional golf tournament was being held. Several stations in the upper deserts reported wind gusts over 75 mph, some reaching nearly 100 mph. The Coachella Valley experienced gusts over 60 mph, including the Palm Springs Airport, which rarely sees winds that strong. Multiple reports of power lines and poles down, as well as carports and signs knocked over. Many locations in the Palm Springs area experienced zero visibility in blowing dust as well, closing several major roadways. The second system on the 23rd, was nowhere near as damaging, but still recorded some impressive winds.
All in all, over 400 trees were reported damaged or down in the Palm Springs area and around $600,000 in damage for Riverside County during the event.

High Wind in COACHELLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 21-JAN-12 12:30:00 to 21-JAN-12 19:30:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 400.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

High winds began at the Palm Springs Airport between 1230 and 1300 PST and ended between 1853 and 1953 PST on the 21st. During this time, two gusts over 60 mph were recorded with a peak gust of 66 mph measured at 1348 PST. The other gust of 62 mph occurred at 1646 PST. Several reports of damage occurred during this period. Between 1600 and 1900 PST, the wind was sustained at 30 to 45 mph.
Three major roadways through Palm Springs were closed due to zero visibility caused by blowing dust and sand. They were Indian Avenue, Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino. Reduced visibility from blowing sand is believed to have caused a crash between a bus, a truck and a sedan on I-10 westbound near the Gene Autry Train exit. Four people were taken to the hospital for injuries from the crash. Power poles were knocked down on Gene Autry Trail as well as Palm Canyon Drive at Linden Way (also closed). Carports were knocked over by winds, crushing cars, at an apartment complex at Highway 111 and Escoba. Numerous power lines and approximately 400 trees were also damaged or knocked down in the Palm Springs area.

High Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 23-JAN-12 14:00:00 to 23-JAN-12 16:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

High winds occurred at the Harrison Park SDGE weather station between 1400 and 1600 PST on the 23rd. During that time two gusts of 58 mph were recorded, as well as the peak gust of 59 mph measured between 1310 and 1320 PST.

High Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY DESERTS, CALIFORNIA
From 21-JAN-12 10:00:00 to 21-JAN-12 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 64.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

High winds occurred much of the early afternoon in the Borrego area of San Diego County, with plenty of blowing dust. At approximately 1415 PST, the spotter measured a wind gust of 74 mph on his home weather station.

High Wind in APPLE AND LUCERNE VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 21-JAN-12 09:00:00 to 21-JAN-12 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 68.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter 25 miles ENE of Victorville (northwest of Johnson Valley) recorded a peak wind gust of 78 mph around 1031 PST.

High Wind in APPLE AND LUCERNE VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 23-JAN-12 10:30:00 to 23-JAN-12 13:30:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 64.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

High winds began at the Burns Canyon RAWS between 1051 and 1151 PST and ended between 1251 and 1351 PST on the 23rd. During that time two gusts over 60 mph were recorded, including the peak gust of 74 mph measured between 1151 and 1251 PST.

High Wind in APPLE AND LUCERNE VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 21-JAN-12 08:30:00 to 21-JAN-12 19:30:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 86.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

High winds began at the Burns Canyon RAWS between 0851 and 0951 PST and ended between 1851 and 1951 PST on the 21st. During this time, most wind gusts were above 60 mph and several above 80 mph. A peak gust of 99 mph was measured between 0951 and 1051 PST.

High Wind in RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 21-JAN-12 11:00:00 to 21-JAN-12 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was closed around 1115 PST due to estimated 80 to 90 mph wind gusts. Around 20 people were temporarily stranded at the top of the station, but no one was injured.

High Wind in COACHELLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 21-JAN-12 13:00:00 to 21-JAN-12 19:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Thermal Regional Airport ASOS measured a gust of 60 mph at 1442 PST on the 21st, but had been reporting gusts 35 to 50 mph from approximately 1300 to 1700 PST.
Bridges and wash crossings were closed at Washington and Adams Streets due to blowing dust and sand reducing visibility.
The Humana Challenge Golf Tournament at the La Quinta Country Club was stopped at 1322 PST due to the high winds. The leader board at the 18th Hole was blown over into the lake on the Palmer Private course. The main tent in the Bob Hope Square fan area collapsed. There was also damage to the vendor and event tents. No injuries have been reported. Several trees were knocked over or uprooted on the La Quinta course, while a few other courses had only cosmetic damage and blowing debris.