A vigorous cold front swept through California on January 5th bringing widespread rainfall and gusty winds. Unstable air behind the frontal passage and sufficient low level shear allowed shallow thunderstorms to develop over the coastal waters, some of which contained rotating cells. Two waterspouts developed and made landfall as tornadoes on the 6th. Additionally, heavy rainfall and strong winds caused roadway flooding, minor debris flows, and numerous downed trees across the region. This storm system caused two fatalities; one caused by a downed tree in Berkeley and another man died in Santa Rosa Creek due to rising waters.

Strong Wind in EAST BAY HILLS AND THE DIABLO RANGE, CALIFORNIA
From 05-JAN-19 13:50:00 to 05-JAN-19 14:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 40.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet on Highland Peak Road measured gust of 46 mph.

Strong Wind in SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 05-JAN-19 10:10:00 to 05-JAN-19 10:40:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 41.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet on Alpine Road measured gusts over 45 mph peaking at 47 mph.

Strong Wind in SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 17:15:00 to 06-JAN-19 17:25:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 39.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet in San Francisco measured wind gusts of 45 mph.

Strong Wind in NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 10:33:00 to 06-JAN-19 20:33:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 47.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Measured wind gusts over 45 mph peaking at 54 mph out of Big Rock RAWS.

Flood in SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 11:23:00 to 06-JAN-19 11:53:00 (PST-8)
Location: CHEMEKETA PARK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Roadway flooding reported at SB 17 at Hebard. All lanes flooded.

Strong Wind in SAN FRANCISCO BAY SHORELINE, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 16:30:00 to 06-JAN-19 16:45:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 40.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet out of UC Berkeley measured wind gusts 46 mph.

Strong Wind in NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 17:30:00 to 06-JAN-19 17:40:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 40.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet on Highland Peak Rd measured gust 46 mph.

High Wind in SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 10:32:00 to 06-JAN-19 22:32:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Los Gatos RAWS measured wind gusts around 50 mph peaking at 61 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 11:50:00 to 06-JAN-19 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: BUTANO PARK
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Several trees showed indications of small and large limb damage along the ridge line. One tray may have been topped. Estimated peak winds of 65 to 70 mph.

Tornado in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 11:59:00 to 06-JAN-19 12:04:00 (PST-8)
Location: SANTA CRUZ
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Waterspout moved onshore along West Cliff Drive, just west of Woodrow Ave. As it moved onshore, it picked up a construction sign, and tossed it into the mailbox across the street. It also topped two agave cacti in the driveway, before hitting two trees, stripping several small and large limbs off of these trees before dissipating.

Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 12:22:00 to 06-JAN-19 12:52:00 (PST-8)
Location: CHIANTI
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Roadway flooding reported at 7878 Dry Creek Rd.

Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 07-JAN-19 09:30:00 to 07-JAN-19 09:40:00 (PST-8)
Location: ROSELAND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Santa Rosa Fire Department reported that a body was found in Santa Rosa Creek west of the Pierson St Bridge https://patch.com/california/sonomavalley/body-recovered-santa-rosa-creek.

Flood in SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 12:29:00 to 06-JAN-19 12:59:00 (PST-8)
Location: SUNNYVALE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Roadway flooding at NB101 to Fair Oaks Ave off ramp.

Flood in ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 12:44:00 to 06-JAN-19 13:14:00 (PST-8)
Location: BAUMBERG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Roadway flooding at I880 S and Jackson off ramp. Large amount of standing water on off ramp.

Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 12:47:00 to 06-JAN-19 13:17:00 (PST-8)
Location: WILFRED
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Six inches of standing water at 6100 Labath Ave.

Flood in NAPA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 13:30:00 to 06-JAN-19 14:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: YOUNTVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flooding at NB Silverado Trail at Yountville Cross Rd.

Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 13:36:00 to 06-JAN-19 14:06:00 (PST-8)
Location: JIMTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water and flooding across Chalk Hill Road due to clogged drain.

Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 13:55:00 to 06-JAN-19 14:25:00 (PST-8)
Location: SCHELLVILLE ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

SB lane flooded of SR 121 at Sears point. Approximately 1 foot of water in the roadway.

Flood in MARIN, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 14:00:00 to 06-JAN-19 14:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: KENTFIELD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Scattered flooding of houses around Sleepy Hollow, Ross Valley, San Anselmo, and Fairfax due to clogged drains along the Corte Madera. Sewage systems backed up and leaking into the Bay.

Flood in ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 14:06:00 to 06-JAN-19 14:36:00 (PST-8)
Location: ALAMEDA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flooding across off ramp of I800 N.

Flood in SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 14:40:00 to 06-JAN-19 15:10:00 (PST-8)
Location: SAN JOSE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

All lanes flooded on connecting ramp of I 280N and SR 87.

Flood in ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 14:58:00 to 06-JAN-19 15:28:00 (PST-8)
Location: PIEDMONT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Standing water in all four lanes of I 580W at 14th Ave.

Flood in SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 15:35:00 to 06-JAN-19 16:05:00 (PST-8)
Location: MONTA VISTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flooding in right lane of SR 85N and Stevens Creek Blvd.

Flood in SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 15:37:00 to 06-JAN-19 16:07:00 (PST-8)
Location: BAYSHORE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flooding at US 101N and S Airport Blvd off ramp, one foot of water in lane.

Flood in ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 15:52:00 to 06-JAN-19 16:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: ALBANY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flooding at I 580W and Central Ave off ramp, off ramp completely flooded.

Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 15:58:00 to 06-JAN-19 16:28:00 (PST-8)
Location: SONOMA COUNTY ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Roadway flooded at Starr Rd and Mark West Station Rd. Logs blocking roadway.

Flood in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 16:01:00 to 06-JAN-19 16:31:00 (PST-8)
Location: SOQUEL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Drainage ditch clogged water flooding roadway at Soquel San Jose Rd and Merlin Way.

Flood in CONTRA COSTA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 16:05:00 to 06-JAN-19 16:35:00 (PST-8)
Location: ORINDA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Roadway flooding at SR 24E at Acalanes Rd.

Flood in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 16:07:00 to 06-JAN-19 16:37:00 (PST-8)
Location: BROOKDALE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Mud in roadway at 12660 Lompico Road.

Flood in ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 16:12:00 to 06-JAN-19 16:42:00 (PST-8)
Location: RAMON VLG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Slow lane flooded on I 680N and Alcosta Blvd off ramp.

Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 16:38:00 to 06-JAN-19 17:08:00 (PST-8)
Location: COTATI
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flooding on Railroad Ave at Old Redwood, vehicles spinning out.

Flood in SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 16:57:00 to 06-JAN-19 17:27:00 (PST-8)
Location: TANFORAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Lane submurged in water I 280N and I 380E connector.

Flood in SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 17:10:00 to 06-JAN-19 17:40:00 (PST-8)
Location: SCHELLVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Road closure at SR 12 and Broadway due to flood.

Flood in SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 21:15:00 to 06-JAN-19 21:45:00 (PST-8)
Location: RANCHO RINCONADO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Flooding in San Jose on Hwy 85 near De Anza Rd.

Strong Wind in SAN FRANCISCO BAY SHORELINE, CALIFORNIA
From 05-JAN-19 13:37:00 to 05-JAN-19 13:42:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 48.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

San Francisco International Airport ASOS reported 55 mph peak wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 11:50:00 to 06-JAN-19 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: BUTANO PARK
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Several trees showed indications of small and large limb damage along the ridge line. One tree may have been topped. Estimated peak winds of 65 to 70 mph.

Tornado in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 12:19:00 to 06-JAN-19 12:20:00 (PST-8)
Location: SANTA CRUZ
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Waterspout crossed the Santa Cruz Wharf, striking the Dolphin Restaurant and removing approximately 35 percent of its roof. The tornado also moved several picnic tables a few feet from their original position. The Dolphin general manager said that it felt like an earthquake struck the building at the peak of the lunch hour, but that the tornado dissipated shortly after striking the wharf.

Debris Flow in MARIN, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 16:03:00 to 06-JAN-19 16:33:00 (PST-8)
Location: STERLING PARK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Mud slide covering lanes on Sir Francis Drake Blvd at Lagunitas Rd.

Debris Flow in NAPA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 16:26:00 to 06-JAN-19 16:56:00 (PST-8)
Location: SALVADOR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Slide blocking EB lane and partially WB lane of SR 128 near Markley Cove.

Strong Wind in SOUTHERN MONTEREY BAY AND BIG SUR COAST, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 17:00:00 to 06-JAN-19 17:05:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Downed tree reported on highway 1 near Carpenter Street.

Debris Flow in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 17:08:00 to 06-JAN-19 17:38:00 (PST-8)
Location: MISSION SPGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Mud slide blocking roadway at Upper Oak Flat Road and Hutchinson Road.

Debris Flow in NAPA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 17:09:00 to 06-JAN-19 17:39:00 (PST-8)
Location: SALVADOR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Mudslide partially blocking EB lane of SR 128 and Wragg Canyon Road.

Debris Flow in SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 18:28:00 to 06-JAN-19 18:58:00 (PST-8)
Location: LOS GATOS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Mud slide reported at Cats/Lexington south side on Hwy 17.

Strong Wind in SAN FRANCISCO BAY SHORELINE, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 18:57:00 to 06-JAN-19 19:02:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 38.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

San Francisco International Airport reported 44 mph peak wind gust.

Debris Flow in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 21:46:00 to 06-JAN-19 22:16:00 (PST-8)
Location: SANTA CRUZ
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A landslide has closed south bound Bay Ave from Nobel Drive to Escalona Drive.

Strong Wind in NORTH BAY INTERIOR VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 22:46:00 to 06-JAN-19 22:51:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Tree down and is blocking lanes in both directions at 2980 Mill Creek Road.

Strong Wind in SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 22:52:00 to 06-JAN-19 22:57:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Tree down blocking entire roadway at Bear Creek Road and Bear Creek Way.

Strong Wind in SOUTHERN MONTEREY BAY AND BIG SUR COAST, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 22:57:00 to 06-JAN-19 23:02:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Tree or limbs in both lanes at 14th Ave and San Antonio Ave.

Strong Wind in SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 23:08:00 to 06-JAN-19 23:13:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Tree branch down in lane at SR 17 S and Passatiempo Rd.

Strong Wind in SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 07-JAN-19 00:01:00 to 07-JAN-19 00:05:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Tree fell into power lines, live wires in both lanes of SR 9 and SR 236. Road closed.

Strong Wind in SANTA CLARA VALLEY INCLUDING SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA
From 07-JAN-19 00:54:00 to 07-JAN-19 00:59:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees down in Sr 152 between Watsonville Rd and Santa Teresa. Road closed.

Debris Flow in SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
From 07-JAN-19 00:54:00 to 07-JAN-19 01:24:00 (PST-8)
Location: RIVERSIDE GROVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Mud/rocks/trees blocking lane on Bear Creek Rd and Sunset Ridge Rd. Road closed.

Strong Wind in SAN FRANCISCO BAY SHORELINE, CALIFORNIA
From 06-JAN-19 15:48:00 to 06-JAN-19 15:53:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 30.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A 250 foot eucalyptus tree toppled onto a car on Gaylet Road at UC Berkeley killing one man. Nearby CWOP station measured wind gust of 35 mph around that time https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2019/01/07/deadly-weekend-storms-batter-northern-california-more-rain-on-the-way/.

Strong Wind in SOUTHERN MONTEREY BAY AND BIG SUR COAST, CALIFORNIA
From 07-JAN-19 00:00:00 to 07-JAN-19 00:05:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 26.00 MG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Tree fell on a house on Romona Ave in Monterey overnight causing damage to a roof. Time of incident unknown, Monterey airport measured wind gusts around 30 to 35 mph overnight.

Strong Wind in SOUTHERN MONTEREY BAY AND BIG SUR COAST, CALIFORNIA
From 07-JAN-19 00:00:00 to 07-JAN-19 00:05:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Social media post from an NWS employee showed numerous downed trees at Jacks Peak.

Strong Wind in SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 07-JAN-19 00:00:00 to 07-JAN-19 00:05:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 6.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Trees fell down on three homes in Boulder Creek overnight.

Coastal Flood in SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
From 05-JAN-19 11:00:00 to 05-JAN-19 13:53:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

High tides and strong winds cause flooding on the Embarcadero in San Francisco causing officials to close it for a time.

Strong Wind in NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 05-JAN-19 11:56:00 to 05-JAN-19 13:56:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 44.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Hawkeye RAWS measured gusts peaking at 51 mph.

Strong Wind in NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 05-JAN-19 08:33:00 to 05-JAN-19 13:33:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 48.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Oak Ridge RAWS measured gusts over 45 mph peaking at 55 mph.

High Wind in SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA COAST, CALIFORNIA
From 05-JAN-19 12:18:00 to 05-JAN-19 16:18:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Spring Valley RAWS measured wind gusts over 45 mph peaking at 59 mph.