A major atmospheric river impacted Southern California February 13th through 15th bringing heavy rain and high winds. Over the course of 48 hours, many mountain locales recorded 8 to 10 inches of rain, with Palomar Mountain (San Diego County) recording over 10 inches of rain in 24 hours. Palm Springs recorded 3.7 inches of rain in 24 hours. This heavy rain resulted in major flash flooding and damage to roads. High snow levels resulted in flooding in the San Bernardino Mountains. Flash flood thresholds were exceeded in the Holy Fire burn scar, with an hourly maximum rainfall rate of 1.02 inches at Leach Canyon. Major flash flooding occurred at the Holy Fire burn scar. Roads were also damaged from this storm, with many roads closed for weeks for major repairs.

Flash Flood in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 09:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: WHITE WATER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 3.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Heavy rainfall of 3 to 5 inches occurred on the desert slope of Mt San Jacinto and the Coachella Valley floor. This resulted in massive flooding and water flow into the Whitewater river (up to 10,000 CFS). Flooding severely damaged highway 111 causing a week long closure.

Flash Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 21:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: PALA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A total of 5 to 10 inches of rain occurred on the  Palomar mountain coastal slopes in 12 hours. This lead to flash flooding in Pala with road damage and swift water rescues.

Flash Flood in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 16:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: MURRIETA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Multiple swift water rescues on Santa Margarita river reported by lifeguards. 4 to 8 inches of rainfall occurred over the river drainage.

Flash Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 11:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: RAMONA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Swift water rescue near Barona Indian Reservation on Wildcat Canyon road. Heavy rainfall of 4 to 6 inches occurred in about 12 hours.

Flash Flood in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 14:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: EL CERRITO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 70.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rainfall of 3 to 6 inches occurred in 12 hours and up to 1 inch per hour rates. This was the most significant flash flooding and debris flows since the December 6, 2018 event. The Holy fire scar flooded and sent debris flows through Temescal Canyon road and into homes and over roadways. Riverside County reported up to 70 million dollars in flood control structure damage in the 8 canyons affected.

Flash Flood in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 09:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: BONNIE BELL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 3.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Widespread flooding and flash flooding in Coachella Valley reported in Indian Canyon
and tributaries to the Whitewater River. Palm Springs airport set a daily record for rainfall with 3.6 inches, most of the rainfall in less than 6 hours. The City of Indio alone reported 1 million in roadway damages from flooding.

High Wind in SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 12:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 13:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Peak wind gust at Wrightwood ASOS was 53 knots between 1200 and 1300 PST on February 14th. Extensive wind damage was reported at Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood.

High Wind in SAN GORGONIO PASS NEAR BANNING, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 14:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Banning ASOS reported a peak wind gust of 52 knots between 1400 and 1500 on February 14th.

Flash Flood in ORANGE, CALIFORNIA
From 13-FEB-19 17:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 17:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: LAGUNA BEACH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 80.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Storm channels were inundated by flash flooding with up to 2 inches of rain in 3 hours. Streets were closed and homes threatened by waters.

Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 13-FEB-19 22:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 19:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: RAMONA ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Flooding occurred in Ramona with up to 2 feet of standing water. Severe damage to portions of highway 78 and 79 along the shoulder of the road. Boulders and rocks fell on highways. 3 to 6 inches of rainfall in about 12 hours.

Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 00:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 19:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: OVERLOOK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Extensive flooding on San Diego River in Mission Valley including Fashion Valley mall. Road closures due to flowing water and parking garage and golf course flooded. San Diego River reached 12.1 feet which is above flood stage.

Flash Flood in SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 07:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 17:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: MT BALDY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Flash flooding closed Mt. Baldy Road and caused debris flows. Rancho Cucamonga Creek recorded up to 8000 CFS. 4 to 8 inches of rain occurred in about 12 hours. Snow levels were as high as 10,000 feet resulting in excessive additional runoff.

Flash Flood in SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 20:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: SUGARLOAF
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Flash flooding in Big Bear City with up to 1 foot of moving water and 2 feet of standing water in the city streets. Water flows in to Lucerne Valley produced a large standing lake near Highway 18. Big Bear City received up 6 inches of rain in 24 hours.

Flash Flood in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 09:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: PALM SPGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Flash flood on Palm Springs Tram Road completely destroyed the road. The tram and the road were closed through April 2. 3 to 5 inches of rain occurred in the dry side of Mt. San Jacinto. Security video on YouTube capture the major debris flow and flood.

Strong Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY COASTAL AREAS, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 10:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 11:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 47.00 MG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Coronado Cays reported a peak wind gust of 47 knots between 1000 and 1100 PST on February 14th. Damages were reported along the San Diego coast.

Flash Flood in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 10:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 15:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: PINE COVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Heavy Rainfall of 5 to 9 inches in 24 hours caused devastating flash floods on Highway 243 north of Idyllwild. The state highway remains closed as of late April 2019. This was north of the Cranston Burn Scar.

Flash Flood in SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 07:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 17:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: RUNNING SPGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Highway 18 received 5 to 10 inches of rain with snow levels at 10,000 feet. Runoff caused extensive damage to the state highway and it was closed to all traffic through March 2. This affected Snow Valley snow sports which was closed for 3 weeks. Emergency repairs were day and night to repair the road damage.

Flash Flood in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-19 09:00:00 to 14-FEB-19 17:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: VALLE VISTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 10.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Rainfall of 4 to 8 inches of occurred in less than 24 hours (heaviest during the morning and early afternoon hours on February 14). Debris flows and heavy runoff into the San Jacinto creek caused widespread damage to state highway 74 including complete wash outs at Strawberry Creek below the Cranston Burn Scar. Caltrans continues to complete repairs with only escorted vehicles allowed as of late April 2019.