An upper low pressure center developed off the southern California coast on January 18. During the evening, a secondary low center dropped southwest through Nevada which interacted with the low off the coast and produced a strong northeast flow over the Sierra Nevada resulting in destructive northeast winds over the Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills between the late evening of January 18 and the early afternoon of January 19 where several stations measured wind gusts exceeding 60 mph for an 8 to 12 hour period. The strong winds toppled several trees and power poles resulting a several structures being damaged and extended power outages over the Sierra foothills. Over 30 miles of power lines had tobe replaced in Mariposa County alone as a result of the wind damage. The damage casued by the winds also resutled in disaster declarations in Mariposa and Madera Counties. Fifteen giant sequoia trees which were all at least 1000 years old were toppled by the strong winds. In addition, strong east winds developed over the Tehachapi Mountains between the late morning until late evening. Several stations measured gusts exceeding 55 mph. The winds also funneled into the the San Joaquin Valley producing gusts exceeding 50 mph in the Bakersfield area and along the West Side Hills. Several other stations in the San Joaquin Valley measured gusts exceeding 35 mph. The winds diminished by the morning of January 20 as the low dropped further south off the Baja coast.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-21 23:49:00 to 18-JAN-21 23:49:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported downed trees and debris covering the roadway on SR 41 near Road 630 3S Fish Camp.

Strong Wind in SAN JOAQUIN CONFLUENCE, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-21 23:56:00 to 18-JAN-21 23:56:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a power pole on the ground 2WSW Gustine.

High Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-21 23:30:00 to 19-JAN-21 11:30:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 87.00 EG
Property damage: 200.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

Estimated 100 mph gusts near Yosemite Valley toppled several trees knocking out power to nearly all of Yosemite Park for several days. In addition, several structures were damaged by the winds and the park was closed for several days. The repairs required for Yosemite National Park from this wind event are exepcted to exceed $200 million.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 00:36:00 to 19-JAN-21 00:36:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a large oak tree blocking both lanes of SR 49 near Thunderbird Dr. 7NW Oakhurst.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 00:50:00 to 19-JAN-21 00:50:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported westbound lanes of Road 222 just east of SR 41 blocked due to a downed tree in Oakhurst.

High Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 00:55:00 to 19-JAN-21 00:55:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 96.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A private weather station in Cascadel Heights reported an estimated 110 mph wind gust.

Strong Wind in SAN JOAQUIN CONFLUENCE, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 08:07:00 to 19-JAN-21 08:07:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed power pole and power lines at the intersection of Ingomar Grade and Fahey Road near Los Banos.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 01:18:00 to 19-JAN-21 01:18:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed oak tree blocking the roadway on Road 426 at Deer Meadow Way in Oakhurst.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 01:31:00 to 19-JAN-21 01:31:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed tree completely blocking the roadway of Road 425B near SR 41 in Oakhurst.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 01:42:00 to 19-JAN-21 01:42:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a power pole broken in half along Road 620 near Road 628 5NW Oakhurst.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 03:06:00 to 19-JAN-21 03:06:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a power line on the roadway across SR 49 near Stumpfield Mountain Road 8SE Midpines.

Strong Wind in MERCED AND MADERA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 03:07:00 to 19-JAN-21 03:07:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a fallen tree on SR 99 near Atwater Blvd and hit by vehicle.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 03:50:00 to 19-JAN-21 03:50:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported several fallen trees along SR 41 4N Oakhurst. SR 41 was closed at Cedar Valley.

Strong Wind in NORTH KINGS RIVER, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 05:01:00 to 19-JAN-21 05:01:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed tree across the roadway on Huntington Lake Road at Camp Sierra.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 05:11:00 to 19-JAN-21 05:11:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed tree across the roadway on Road 632 near Country Club Drive in Oakhurst.

High Wind in TEHACHAPI AREA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 07:50:00 to 19-JAN-21 07:50:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The Tehachapi airport AWOS measured a peak wind gust of 67 mph.

High Wind in TEHACHAPI AREA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 13:50:00 to 19-JAN-21 13:50:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 60.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Southern California Edison station at Rancho Ridge measured a peak wind gust of 69 mph.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 06:01:00 to 19-JAN-21 06:01:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a large tree blocking both lanes of SR 140 near Agua Fria Road in Mariposa.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 06:22:00 to 19-JAN-21 06:22:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a tree blocking the entire roadway on Road 425B at Greenacre Dr. in Oakhurst.

High Wind in LAKE ISABELLA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 07:32:00 to 19-JAN-21 07:32:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Blue Max RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph.

High Wind in TEHACHAPI AREA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 16:20:00 to 19-JAN-21 16:20:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Southern California Edison station at Bear Valley Springs measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph.

High Wind in SEQUOIA KINGS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 06:48:00 to 19-JAN-21 06:48:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

Sequoia National Park Rangers reported a 2-3 foot diameter tree came down on Generals Highway near the Woodward Gate near Grant Grove blocking both lanes.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 07:15:00 to 19-JAN-21 07:15:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

Yosemite Park dispatch reported several trees and powerlines down in Yosemite Valley and Wawona.

High Wind in SOUTHERN SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 10:20:00 to 19-JAN-21 10:20:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 60.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Eastmont Road measured a peak wind gust of 69 mph.

High Wind in INDIAN WELLS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 07:26:00 to 19-JAN-21 07:26:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Indian Wells Canyon RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 07:28:00 to 19-JAN-21 07:28:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed power line blocking a delivery truck in Ahwahnee.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 07:22:00 to 19-JAN-21 07:22:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a tree blocking all lanes near 4300 Buckeye Road 4SSW Mariposa.

High Wind in FORT TEJON, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 06:00:00 to 19-JAN-21 06:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 72.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Lebec 5NW Digier Rd Hilltop measured a peak wind gust of 83 mph.

High Wind in FORT TEJON, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 05:13:00 to 19-JAN-21 05:13:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Grapevine Peak RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 65 mph.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 08:00:00 to 19-JAN-21 08:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported shingle damage to a house in Ponderosa Basin.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 08:40:00 to 19-JAN-21 08:40:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported downed power lines across the roadway on Snyder Ridge Road 5NE Midpines.

High Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 07:59:00 to 19-JAN-21 07:59:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Minarets RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 64 mph.

High Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 02:48:00 to 19-JAN-21 02:48:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Batterson RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 09:19:00 to 19-JAN-21 09:19:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast Media report and picture on Twitter of a downed tree that was ripped out of the ground and fell into Oakhurst Lodge near the intersection of SR 41 and Crane Valley Road.

High Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 00:52:00 to 19-JAN-21 00:52:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Mount Tom RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 58 mph.

High Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 01:59:00 to 19-JAN-21 01:59:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 67.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Miami Mountain RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 77 mph.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 09:23:00 to 19-JAN-21 09:23:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a tree fell and sliced through a power line near the intersection of Homestead Road and Boyer Road 6SE Midpines.

Strong Wind in BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 09:43:00 to 19-JAN-21 09:43:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a power pole leaning into the roadway at the intersection of SR 184 and Mountain View Road in Lamont.

High Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 09:40:00 to 19-JAN-21 09:40:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 65.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Penon Blanco measured a peak wind gust of 75 mph.

High Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 08:00:00 to 19-JAN-21 08:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 59.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Morissey Road Tower measured a peak wind gust of 68 mph.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 10:04:00 to 19-JAN-21 10:04:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a downed tree at the intersection of Echo Hill Road and Lehamite Fall 6SE Midpines.

Strong Wind in BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 10:08:00 to 19-JAN-21 10:08:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported downed power liens at the intersection of Di Georgio Road and Tejon Hwy 4N Arvin.

High Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 01:30:00 to 19-JAN-21 01:30:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Corrine Lake measured a peak wind gust of 66 mph.

High Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 05:50:00 to 19-JAN-21 05:50:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Coarsegold 1E measured a peak wind gust of 66 mph.

High Wind in TEHACHAPI AREA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 13:50:00 to 19-JAN-21 13:50:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Southern California Edison station at Sand Canyon measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

High Wind in TEHACHAPI AREA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 13:10:00 to 19-JAN-21 13:10:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Southern California Edison station at Stallion Springs measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

High Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 05:40:00 to 19-JAN-21 05:40:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Triangle Road measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph.

High Wind in BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 05:30:00 to 19-JAN-21 05:30:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Tejon Creek 8S Arvin measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph.

High Wind in SOUTHERN SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 11:30:00 to 19-JAN-21 11:30:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Pine Mountain Tower measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph.

High Wind in FORT TEJON, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 20:10:00 to 19-JAN-21 20:10:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 64.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Pelato Peak measured a peak wind gust of 74 mph.

High Wind in BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 10:30:00 to 19-JAN-21 10:30:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at the Round Mountain Microtowers measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

Strong Wind in CENTRAL SIERRA FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 18-JAN-21 23:36:00 to 18-JAN-21 23:36:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

California Highway Patrol reported a large tree blocking both lanes of Road 423 near Road 426 in Oakhurst.

High Wind in FORT TEJON, CALIFORNIA
From 19-JAN-21 17:50:00 to 19-JAN-21 17:50:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

The Pacific Gas and Electric station at Beartrap Road measured a peak wind gust of 63 mph.