An amplifying ridge over the Pacific and a deep upper trough over the Great Basin provided the set up for strong northerly flow over most of central and northern California. Winds gusted as high as 78 mph up on Mt Saint Helena with widespread gusts of 40 to 60 mph reported. These winds prompted both Wind Advisory and Gale Warnings across much of the region. Numerous downed trees were reported and a fatality occurred on the San Francisco Bay as a result of these conditions.

Strong Wind in COASTAL NORTH BAY INCLUDING POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE, CALIFORNIA
From 31-DEC-18 14:20:00 to 31-DEC-18 14:30:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 35.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Two people in their 40s were on a row boat on Richardson Bay during a gale warning when both fell out of the boat, possibly from waves. They were both brought to the hospital where the woman suffered from hypothermia but survived and the man was pronounced dead at the hospital. Neither were wearing a life jacket https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/One-man-dead-in-Richardson-Bay-boat-accident-13501280.php.

Strong Wind in NORTHERN MONTEREY BAY, CALIFORNIA
From 31-DEC-18 13:30:00 to 31-DEC-18 13:50:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 26.00 MG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Media reported a downed tree in Santa Cruz that damaged a car, breaking the back window and damaging the bumper https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/police-warning-of-high-winds-downed-trees-in-santa-cruz/1681307091.

Strong Wind in SAN FRANCISCO BAY SHORELINE, CALIFORNIA
From 31-DEC-18 13:00:00 to 31-DEC-18 13:30:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 30.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A large pine tree blew over and smashed into a car in Niles Community Park. No injuries reported. Multiple other locations reported downed trees as well. Time is estimated https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2018/12/31/blustery-winds-batter-entire-bay-area/.

Strong Wind in SAN FRANCISCO BAY SHORELINE, CALIFORNIA
From 31-DEC-18 10:57:00 to 31-DEC-18 11:02:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 30.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Tree down on Liberty Street between Walnut Ave and Sundale Dr.

Strong Wind in NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 31-DEC-18 11:56:00 to 31-DEC-18 12:56:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Hawkeye RAWS measured gust.

Strong Wind in NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 31-DEC-18 07:36:00 to 31-DEC-18 08:36:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 41.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Middle Peak RAWS measured gust.

Strong Wind in SAN FRANCISCO BAY SHORELINE, CALIFORNIA
From 31-DEC-18 09:35:00 to 31-DEC-18 10:40:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 30.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

SFO ASOS reported sustained winds of around 35 mph with gust to 40 mph.

Strong Wind in EAST BAY INTERIOR VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 31-DEC-18 13:54:00 to 31-DEC-18 14:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 31.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Winds gusting to above 40 mph at Pittsburg Marina.

Strong Wind in EAST BAY HILLS AND THE DIABLO RANGE, CALIFORNIA
From 31-DEC-18 06:00:00 to 31-DEC-18 20:40:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 39.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

PGE station at Highland Peak measured wind gusts around 45 mph peaking at 58 mph.

Strong Wind in EAST BAY HILLS AND THE DIABLO RANGE, CALIFORNIA
From 31-DEC-18 22:30:00 to 31-DEC-18 23:59:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Wind gusts around 50 mph at Grizzly Peak.