After a wet start to the month, a series of 3 storms traversed the region between the 19th and 24th of January. The storms produced flooding rains, extreme mountain snowfall, and strong winds from the coast to the deserts. Rainfall for the 6 day period reached 10-13 inches along the coastal slopes from San Bernardino to San Diego County. Over the coast and valleys 2-7 inches of rain occurred with 0.5-3 inches in the deserts. Snow accumulated to elevations as low as 4,000 ft with 2-5 feet of snow above 5,500 feet and as much as 6 feet on the highest peaks. Strong synoptic and squall induced winds combined with saturated soils to down hundreds of trees over the coast and valleys on the 20th. Damages from downed trees was in the millions of dollars. In the City of San Diego 29 high water rescues were conducted on the 20th alone. The governor declared a State of Emergency in San Diego County.

Flash Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 22-JAN-17 15:30:00 to 22-JAN-17 17:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: RAINBOW
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A swift water rescue team pulled a man from a submerged car in a small creek near Old Highway 395 and 5th St. in Rainbow. A young boy, also in the car, was swept down stream before rescuers arrived. The boys body was recovered on the 26th.

Strong Wind in ORANGE COUNTY INLAND, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 09:00:00 to 21-JAN-17 06:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 MG
Property damage: 50.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Numerous trees were downed in the Orange County valleys by a combination of strong winds and saturated soils. Peak wind gusts at local mesonet stations during the period were in the 35-50 mph range.

Winter Weather in SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-17 18:00:00 to 19-JAN-17 09:00:00 (PST-8)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter in Moonridge reported 6-8 inches of new snow over a 7 hour period. Elsewhere,  3-5 inches was reported in Big Bear Lake and 3 inches at the end Mt. Baldy Rd., Arrowbear Lake, Green Valley Lake and Running Springs.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 13:05:00 to 20-JAN-17 13:35:00 (PST-8)
Location: AGRA
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A severe squall produced 60-70 mph wind gusts over northern Camp Pendleton. A peak gust of 70 mph was measured at Mateo Ridge with an additional 64 mph gust recorded at Case Springs.

Flash Flood in SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
From 23-JAN-17 17:15:00 to 23-JAN-17 19:15:00 (PST-8)
Location: CHINO ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Highway 83 between Pine Ave. and Highway 71 closed due to flooding along Chino Creek.

Heavy Snow in RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-17 20:00:00 to 19-JAN-17 09:00:00 (PST-8)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Rangers at the Long Valley Ranger Station reported 12 inches of new snow at 8,400 ft over a 13 hour period.

Heavy Snow in SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 02:30:00 to 21-JAN-17 01:00:00 (PST-8)
Reported by: County Official

Very heavy snows were reported by San Bernardino County Public Works over a 24 hour period. Chain restrictions were widespread above 4,000 ft. Snow amounts ranged from a trace to 1 ft between 4,000 and 5,500 ft, while locations above 5,500 ft reported 1 to 2.5 ft of new snow. Some local totals included 31 inches in Green Valley Lake, 27 inches at Mt. Baldy, 20-27 inches in Big Bear Lake, 26 inches in Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake, 16 inches in Barton Flats, 15 inches in Angelus Oaks, and 11 inches in Wrightwood.

Heavy Snow in RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 03:30:00 to 21-JAN-17 01:00:00 (PST-8)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Rangers at the Long Valley Ranger Station reported 33 inches of new snow over a 24 hour period at 8,400 ft. Chain restrictions were required on local roadways.

High Wind in SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 07:00:00 to 20-JAN-17 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 86.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

The mesonet station in Burns Canyon reported wind gusts in excess of 70 mph between 1051 and 1351PST, with a peak of 99 mph between 1151 and 1251PST. Power lines were downed in Skyforest and Twin Peaks around 0930PST. A nearby mesonet station in Lake Arrowhead reported a peak gust of 50 mph between 0946 and 1001PST.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 14:10:00 to 20-JAN-17 14:35:00 (PST-8)
Location: ENCINITAS
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A squall produced a short burst of 50-65 mph winds between Cardiff by the Sea and Lake Hodges. The mesonet station at Elfin Forest reported a peak wind gust of 64 mph. Tree damage was also reported.

Flash Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 22-JAN-17 16:00:00 to 22-JAN-17 19:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: PALA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Pala Temecula Rd. was closed due to flooding and rocks in the roadway.

Flash Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 22-JAN-17 17:00:00 to 22-JAN-17 19:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: PAUMA VLY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Roadway closure due to flooding on Cole Grade Rd.

Strong Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY COASTAL AREAS, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 10:00:00 to 21-JAN-17 08:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Mesonet

Strong winds impacted the coast over a 22 hour period. Strongest winds, with gusts in the 40-50 mph range occurred between 1300 and 1800PST on the 20th. Outside of this period, peak gusts were in the 25-35 mph range along the coast. The winds combined with saturated grounds to down hundreds of trees that fell on cars and structures. Four students were hospitalized when a large tree fell on them at Chula Vista Middle School.

Flood in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 11:45:00 to 20-JAN-17 15:45:00 (PST-8)
Location: MURRIETTA ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

CHP reported 6 flooded roadways in Paloma Valley with one vehicle briefly stranded.

Flash Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 18:00:00 to 20-JAN-17 21:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: EAST SAN DIEGO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Six feet of water inundated an apartment building in City Heights on 48th street. One family nearly drowned due to the flood.

Flood in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 18:00:00 to 23-JAN-17 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: INDIAN WELLS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Heavy mountain rain produced flows in the Whitewater River and Palm Canyon Creek that lead to periodic closures of low water crossings in the Coachella Valley, including: Golf Club Dr., Gene Autry Trail., Indian Canyon Dr., Vista Chino Rd., Frank Sinatra Dr., Araby Dr. and Vista Chino.

Flash Flood in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 22-JAN-17 16:40:00 to 22-JAN-17 17:40:00 (PST-8)
Location: SUN CITY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Swift water rescue conducted near North Golf Course in Sun City.

Strong Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 13:00:00 to 21-JAN-17 04:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 39.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Local mesonets reported wind gusts in the 25-40 mph range between 1300PST on the 20th and 0400PST on the 21st. Highest gusts occurred between 1400 and 1800PST. The winds combined with saturated soils to down numerous trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in ORANGE, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 12:45:00 to 20-JAN-17 13:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: NEWPORT BEACH
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A severe squall moved from Newport Beach to Santa Ana, downing multiple trees, knocking out power to 63 homes and causing minor roof damage.

Flash Flood in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 22-JAN-17 14:30:00 to 22-JAN-17 19:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: TEMECULA RNCH CAL AR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Rapid water rises along Temecula Creek caused flooding in south Temecula. Firefighters rescued a woman stranded on a small island in Temecula Creek. The woman was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

Flash Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 14:30:00 to 20-JAN-17 17:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: RAINBOW
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Widespread flooding occurred near Gilman Springs Rd. and Soboba Rd. in San Jacinto with multiple water rescues conducted.

Flood in ORANGE, CALIFORNIA
From 22-JAN-17 15:20:00 to 22-JAN-17 16:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: GALIVAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

CHP reported 3 vehicles submerged and stuck in water on Antonio Pkwy. in Las Flores.

Flash Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 14:30:00 to 20-JAN-17 15:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: LA MESA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

A swift water rescue to save 2 people and a dog was conducted at the intersection of University Ave. and Aragon Dr. in the neighborhood of Rolando.

High Surf in ORANGE COUNTY COASTAL, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 16:00:00 to 24-JAN-17 16:00:00 (PST-8)
Reported by: Lifeguard

Lifeguards reported 7-8 ft surf between the 20th and 24th. Surf peaked on the the 21st and 22nd with 9-10 ft sets in Huntington Beach.

Debris Flow in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 16:30:00 to 20-JAN-17 18:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: CLOVER FLAT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A mud slide blocked both lanes of Old Highway 80.

Flash Flood in ORANGE, CALIFORNIA
From 22-JAN-17 15:15:00 to 22-JAN-17 17:15:00 (PST-8)
Location: CRYSTAL COVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Widespread heavy rain brought flash flooding to a large portion of Orange County. A water rescue occurred on Hamilton Ave. at the Santa Ana River in Huntington Beach. Numerous streets from Sunset Beach to Santa Ana to Newport Beach were also flooded with 1-3 ft of water. Numerous reports of vehicles stranded in flood waters were received, including half a dozen along Highway 55.

Flash Flood in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 23-JAN-17 04:30:00 to 23-JAN-17 06:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: ALBERHILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Cal Fire and Riverside County Firefighters conducted 2 water rescues along the Temescal Wash in Alberhill near the intersection of Hostettler Rd. and Temescal Canyon Rd. Four vehicles were stranded in 2-3 ft of water.

Flash Flood in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 22-JAN-17 16:45:00 to 22-JAN-17 17:15:00 (PST-8)
Location: PEDLEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Cal Fire reported of a swift water rescue along the Pyrite Channel near Van Buren Blvd.

Flash Flood in SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
From 22-JAN-17 15:00:00 to 22-JAN-17 20:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: DEVORE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Excessive rain induced flash flooding in the Cajon Wash. A swift water rescue was conducted to pull 2 people from the wash near Swarthout Canyon Road. Further south along the wash, San Bernardino County Public Works closed Glen Helen Pkwy. from Glen Helen Rd. to Cajon Blvd. for an extended period.

Flash Flood in SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
From 22-JAN-17 20:00:00 to 23-JAN-17 00:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: CEDARPINES PARK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Roadway closure at the intersection of Highway 138 and 173 with a swift water rescue and 2 vehicles stranded in flood waters.

Flash Flood in SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
From 22-JAN-17 16:30:00 to 22-JAN-17 18:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: PHELAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Heavy mountain rain drained into the deserts leading to flooding along several area roadways. A closure occurred along Highway 18 west of Victorville due to flooding across all lanes.

Flood in SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
From 23-JAN-17 18:00:00 to 23-JAN-17 21:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: HESPERIA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Heavy mountain rains produced flows from the Mojave Dam. Flow through the Mojave River lead to a closure of Rock Springs Rd. due to 6-8 inches of water flowing over the low water crossing.

Thunderstorm Wind in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 13:16:00 to 20-JAN-17 14:16:00 (PST-8)
Location: ARCILLA
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Lake Matthews Raws station reported a 67 mph gust between 1316 and 1416 PST. In Temescal Valley a large tree was blown down blocking the Knabe Rd. near Clay Canyon Dr.

High Wind in APPLE AND LUCERNE VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 22-JAN-17 09:00:00 to 22-JAN-17 17:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Power lines downed in Hesperia and Phelan. Numerous gusts in the 50 mph range were reported, including a 53 mph gust at Victorville Airport.

Strong Wind in ORANGE COUNTY COASTAL, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 09:00:00 to 21-JAN-17 06:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Numerous trees were downed along the Orange County coast by a combination of strong winds and saturated soils. Peak wind gusts during the period were in the 35-50 mph range.

Strong Wind in SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY VALLEYS - THE INLAND EMPIRE, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 09:00:00 to 21-JAN-17 05:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 39.00 MG
Property damage: 30.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Numerous trees were downed in the Inland Empire by a combination of strong winds and saturated soils. Peak wind gusts reported by area mesonet stations during the period were in the 35-45 mph range.

Heavy Snow in SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 21-JAN-17 23:30:00 to 23-JAN-17 20:30:00 (PST-8)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Very heavy snow fellow over a 48 hour period, with the heaviest snow falling between 0700 and 1900PST on the 22nd. A trace-1 ft of snow was reported between 3,500 ft and 5,000 ft with 1 to 2.5 ft above 5,000 ft. Some local snow totals included: 18-30 inches in Big Bear Lake, 25 inches in Green Valley Lake, 24 end of Mt. Baldy Rd., 20 inches in Barton Flats, 18 inches in Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, and Forest Falls, 16 inches in Angelus Oaks and Wrightwood, and 12 inches in Blue Jay.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 14:35:00 to 20-JAN-17 15:15:00 (PST-8)
Location: IMPERIAL BEACH
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Mesonet

A severe squall produced a swath of 60-70 mph winds from Imperial Beach to Lawson Creek. At least 6 mesonet stations reported peak wind gusts in excess of 58 mph including a 68 mph gust at Lawson Creek and 64 mph gust at Boarder Field. Hundreds of trees were downed. Roof damage was also reported. One person was injured when a tree fell on their car in Lakeside.

Flash Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 15:00:00 to 20-JAN-17 19:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: SORRENTO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Rapid water rises after 1500PST flooded parts of Carroll Canyon Rd with 1-2 ft of rushing water. The flow carried dumpsters and debris. Three people were trapped in their vehicle that stalled as the water rose rapidly, resulting in multiple swift water rescues around 1530PST.

Flash Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 15:30:00 to 20-JAN-17 21:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: GRANTVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Multiple low water crossings were closed due to rapid rises in the San Diego River, including Camino Del Rio and Ward Rd. Several cars were submerged by the rapidly rising waters. The Fashion Valley Transit Center was closed due to flooding. The river peaked at 0215PST on the 21st with a crest of 11.81 ft.

Flash Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 16:00:00 to 20-JAN-17 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: DE LUZ
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The CHP reported a vehicle in jeopardy of being washed off a bridge near Sandia Creek Dr. and Rock Mountain Rd.

High Surf in SAN DIEGO COUNTY COASTAL AREAS, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 16:00:00 to 24-JAN-17 19:00:00 (PST-8)
Reported by: Lifeguard

Lifeguards along the San Diego County coast reported 7 to 10 ft surf between the 20th and 24th. Peak sets of 12-15 ft were reported on the 22nd and 21st south of Carlsbad. Two women were swept from the rocks in Sunset Cliffs by surf up to 15 ft between 1700 and 1800PST on the 21st. One woman was killed and the second suffered serious injuries. Two lifeguards were also injured during the rescue attempt. Significant beach erosion and minor coastal flooding occurred along the coast. The Imperial Beach Pier was closed for a time.

Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 20-JAN-17 17:00:00 to 21-JAN-17 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: FALLBROOK JCT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Santa Margarita River river gauge at Ysidora recorded a crest of 14.60 ft at 2345PST. This was the 6th highest crest on record and exceeded moderate flood stage by 1.3 ft. Impacts to Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base are unknown.

Heavy Snow in RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 22-JAN-17 01:00:00 to 23-JAN-17 21:00:00 (PST-8)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The Long Valley Ranger Station reported 28 inches of new snow. The majority of the snow fell between 1200 and 1900PST on the 22nd. Chain restrictions were required on area highways.