A strong Santa Ana wind event was enhanced by a cut-off upper level low off the coast of Baja California on 19-20 January 2021. The placement of the upper level low allowed for moisture to surge into the deserts and mountains, leading to unique precipitation forecast challenges. Very strong winds combined with dry relative humidity and extremely dry fuels on the coastal mountain slopes and valleys led to several smaller scale wildfires and wind damage.

Wildfire in COACHELLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 04:00:00 to 20-JAN-21 16:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Riverside County 72 fire. The vegeation fire burned 43 acres near Ave 72 and Pierce St, south of Oasis. Began during onset of Santa Ana winds.

High Wind in SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 12:00:00 to 20-JAN-21 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 77.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Gusty Santa Ana winds occurred across the region with highest wind gust reported at Marshall Peak mesonet station at 86 MPH.

High Wind in SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY VALLEYS - THE INLAND EMPIRE, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 12:00:00 to 20-JAN-21 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 70.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Gusty Santa Ana winds occurred across the region, especially below the Cajon Pass where SCE Lytle Creek Road reported a gust of 70 MPH and CSU San Bernardino station reported a wind gust of 64 MPH.

High Wind in SANTA ANA MOUNTAINS AND FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 12:00:00 to 20-JAN-21 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 64.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Gusty Santa Ana winds occurred across the region with highest wind gust reported at Fremont Canyon RAWS with a gust of 74 MPH.

High Wind in RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 12:00:00 to 20-JAN-21 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Gusty Santa Ana winds occurred across the region with highest wind gust reported at SCE Apple Canyon site of 66 MPH.

High Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 12:00:00 to 20-JAN-21 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Reported by: Department of Highways

Several reports of large trees down across roadways around Ramona, one instance where a tree fell on powerlines, and the powerlines were blocking the road. Wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph were reported at nearby sites of a similar elevation, with wind gusts of 61 to 67 mph observed on a ridge just east of these locations.

High Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 12:00:00 to 20-JAN-21 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 77.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Very gusty winds occurred across the region during the event, where Sill Hill gusted to 82 mph and Black Mountain to 89 mph.

Wildfire in SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 14-JAN-21 12:30:00 to 14-JAN-21 14:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Comet fire occurred near Palomar College in San Marcos, which prompted evacuation warnings around the area. The fire burned just over 40 acres with no serious injuries.

Heavy Snow in SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 00:00:00 to 20-JAN-21 20:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Big Bear resort reported 3 to 5 inches new snow. Big Bear Yard 3 inches from 2 to 6 pm. Several spin outs and chain control was set up on highway 38 and 18.