An intense period of heavy snow and blizzard conditions, damaging winds, low-elevation snow and widespread flooding rainfall plagued Southern California February 21-27.
Very strong, and locally damaging, winds developed in the evening on February 21 and continued through February 22, especially impacting the coast and the mountains. Numerous trees were uprooted as a result of the strong winds. Temperatures plummeted on February 22 leading to low-elevation snow and cold-core thunderstorms.
The second, and highly impactful, next wave of the storm system enveloped Southern California starting on February 23. This is the period of heaviest snowfall, and a first-ever Blizzard Warning issued by NWS San Diego was in effect for the San Bernardino County Mountains. Heavy snowfall persisted through early morning on February 26, resulting in FEET of snowfall in the mountains, with many locations in the San Bernardino County Mountains seeing over 50 of snowfall. This resulted in hard closures of many highways in the San Bernardino County Mountains and left people trapped in their homes. Snow levels once again fell on February 25, with snow levels as low as 1000-2000 feet in the Inland Empire and inland Orange County. Widespread heavy thunderstorms occurred leading to local flooding, especially across San Diego County, inland Orange County and portions of the Inland Empire, as well as produced pea size hail.
The impacts of this system, especially in San Bernardino County, would be further exacerbated by an additional significant storm system that would hit only days later, leading to additional FEET of snow.

High Wind in COACHELLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 21-FEB-23 22:00:00 to 22-FEB-23 03:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 MG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Strong winds impacted the Coachella Valley from late in the evening on February 21 through the early morning hours on February 22, when widespread wind gusts of 40-55 mph were reported.
The following are the strongest wind gusts reported across the Coachella Valley:
Thermal Airport reported a peak wind gust of 56 mph.
Mesonet station SCE412 Palm Canyon reported a peak wind gust of 52 mph.
La Quinta reported a peak wind gust of 51 mph.
Mesonet station SCE416 reported a peak wind gust of 50 mph.
Wind damage was reported near Palm Springs, where a large tree fell onto the hood of a car.

Winter Storm in SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 22-FEB-23 00:00:00 to 26-FEB-23 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

An extensive period of heavy snow impacted the San Diego County Mountains February 22-26. Chain controls were activated as early as the morning on February 22 ahead of the heavy snow. The following are some of the heaviest storm total snow reports from the San Diego County Mountains:
Palomar Mountain COOP (5600'): 36
Birch Hill Palomar Mountain (5700'): 32
Palomar Mountain (CalFire): 28
Julian North Peak (5100'): 25
Mt Laguna (6100'): 24.

Winter Storm in SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY VALLEYS - THE INLAND EMPIRE, CALIFORNIA
From 23-FEB-23 00:00:00 to 25-FEB-23 23:59:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Snow levels falling to between 1000-2000 feet on February 23rd and 25th allowed for accumulating snow at various locations in the Inland Empire. Most accumulations were around 1 inch or less, but were still enough to cause hazardous travel conditions. Accumulating snow was observed near Fontana and Devore, with rain and snow mixing in near Riverside, Moreno Valley, and Temecula. Total snowfall of 10.5 inches was observed near Devore, just below the Cajon Pass which led to the closing of the I-15 and I-215 interchange due to multiple disabled vehicles. A severe pile-up involving 20 vehicles occurred around 11 PM on February 22 in Yucaipa; officials said the crash was caused by winter conditions, including icy slush that was seen on the road.

Winter Weather in RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 22-FEB-23 00:00:00 to 26-FEB-23 04:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

An extensive period of heavy snow impacted the Riverside County Mountains February 22-26. The following are some of the heaviest storm total snow reports from the Riverside County Mountains:
Long Valley Ranger Station (8400'): 60
Idyllwild COOP (5400'): 36
Idyllwild (5600'): 17.

Winter Storm in SANTA ANA MOUNTAINS AND FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 25-FEB-23 00:00:00 to 25-FEB-23 23:59:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow levels fell to between 1500-2000 feet in the Santa Ana Mountains on the morning of February 25th. Per a report from a trained spotter, rain changed over to snow in Silverado Canyon at elevations around 1800 feet.

Winter Storm in APPLE AND LUCERNE VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 25-FEB-23 00:00:00 to 25-FEB-23 23:59:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow levels fell to between 2000-3000 feet in the Apple and Lucerne Valleys on the morning of February 25th. Spotters reported upwards of 6 to 12 inches of accumulating snow near Phelan. Per reports from San Bernardino County Public Works, roughly 1-5 of snow fell in locations including Victorville, Apple Valley, and lower elevations near Hesperia.

Winter Storm in RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 25-FEB-23 00:00:00 to 25-FEB-23 23:59:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow levels fell to between 3000-3500 feet in the Riverside County Mountains on February 25th. Areas along the San Diego-Riverside County border near Aguanga received roughly 3 to 6 inches of accumulating snowfall.

Winter Storm in SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 25-FEB-23 00:00:00 to 25-FEB-23 23:59:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snow levels fell to between 2700-3500 feet in the San Diego County Mountains on February 25th. Areas along the San Diego-Riverside County border near Aguanga received roughly 3 to 6 inches of accumulating snowfall, with up to 2 inches of snow reported as low as 2700 feet in Oak Grove. Areas near Santa Ysabel at elevations around 3000 feet received 3 inches of accumulating snowfall.

Flash Flood in SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
From 24-FEB-23 20:45:00 to 24-FEB-23 20:45:00 (PST-8)
Location: LYTLE CREEK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

San Bernardino County Fire conducted a swift water rescue of one occupant from a truck. Report of rushing water enveloping the lower half of the truck.

Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 25-FEB-23 07:06:00 to 25-FEB-23 07:06:00 (PST-8)
Location: VISTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

CalTrans report of flooding across both lanes of Foothill Drive due to heavy rain.

Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 23-FEB-23 07:43:00 to 23-FEB-23 07:43:00 (PST-8)
Location: SAN MARCOS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Public report of flooding at Country Club Dip south of Harmony Grove Road, resulting in its closure.

Debris Flow in RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
From 25-FEB-23 03:20:00 to 25-FEB-23 03:20:00 (PST-8)
Location: MURRIETA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Department of Highways reported a 3-4 foot boulder came off the mountain and fell into the road following heavy rainfall.

High Wind in SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY VALLEYS - THE INLAND EMPIRE, CALIFORNIA
From 24-FEB-23 22:00:00 to 25-FEB-23 05:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Strong winds impacted western and southern portions of the Inland Empire late evening on February 24 through the early morning hours on February 25 ahead of a cold front. The following are the strongest wind reports:
Mesonet station Corona RAWS reported a peak wind gust of 63 mph.
Temescal Valley reported a peak wind gust of 59 mph.
Temecula reported wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph.
The Department of Highways reported a downed tree blocking te right land of Campbell Ranch Road at Mayhew Canyon Road in Temescal.

High Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY COASTAL AREAS, CALIFORNIA
From 22-FEB-23 00:00:00 to 22-FEB-23 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Anomalously strong winds impacted the San Diego County coastline from the very early morning hours on February 22 through the afternoon, peaking during the overnight hours through sunrise.
The following are the strongest wind reports from the coast:
Mesonet station XZUN Silver Strand Beach reported a peak wind gust of 58 mph.
Mesonet station XOCJ Oceanside Jetty reported a peak wind gust of 57 mph.
AWOS Station KNXF Red Beach Airport reported a peak wind gust of 56 mph.
Tree damage was also reported during the early morning hours, with a toppled tree resulting in car damage in Mission Valley; a large Torrey Pine tree fell on a home in Del Mar Heights with a branch crashing through the roof in the living room; and a large Torrey Pine tree toppled over at the Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Strong Wind in ORANGE COUNTY INLAND, CALIFORNIA
From 25-FEB-23 00:24:00 to 25-FEB-23 00:24:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 37.00 MG
Reported by: Department of Highways

The Department of Highways reported a downed tree blocking the slow lanes of Highway 55 north of the Highway 73 transition.

High Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 21-FEB-23 16:00:00 to 22-FEB-23 06:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 73.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Very strong winds impacted the San Diego County Mountains from the evening on February 21 through the early morning hours on February 22, when widespread wind gusts in excess of 50 mph were observed.
The following are the highest wind gusts recorded across the San Diego County Mountains:
Mesonet station VCMSD Volcan Mountain (SDGE) reported a peak wind gust of 84 mph.
Mesonet station HRPSD Harrison Park (SDGE) reported a peak wind gust of 81 mph.
Mesonet station Boulevard West (SDGE) reported a peak wind gust of 80 mph.
Pine Valley - Horse Launch reported a peak wind gust of 77 mph.
Lucky Five Ranch (SDGE) reported a peak wind gust of 75 mph.
Mesonet station DVI00558 Julian reported a peak wind gust of 70 mph.
Palomar Mountain Lookout reported a peak wind gust of 70 mph.

Flood in ORANGE, CALIFORNIA
From 25-FEB-23 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-23 05:00:00 (PST-8)
Location: SANTA ANA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Heavy rain led to flooding early in the morning on February 25 across inland Orange County, centered around the community of Costa Mesa. The Department of Highways reported flooding at the Bristol Street on-ramp on I-405 with vehicles stuck in the floodwaters; street flooding leading to road closures and stranded vehicles; and SR-173 and Campus Drive had 1-2 feet of water in two lanes.

High Wind in SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 21-FEB-23 16:00:00 to 22-FEB-23 00:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 82.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Very strong winds impacted the San Bernardino County Mountains through the afternoon and evening on February 21, when widespread wind gusts in excess of 50 mph were observed.
The following are the strongest wind gusts reported across the San Bernardino County Mountains:
Burns Canyon reported a peak wind gust of 94 mph.
Mesonet station SE269 Cushenbury Springs reported a peak wind gust of 92 mph.
Mesonet station 424SE Silverwood Lake reported a peak wind gust of 71 mph.
Mesonet station SCE338 Cajon Lookout reported a peak wind gust of 68 mph.
Mesonet station SCE364 Lake Arrowhead reported a peak wind gust of 61 mph.

Debris Flow in SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
From 24-FEB-23 13:20:00 to 24-FEB-23 13:20:00 (PST-8)
Location: FONTANA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The Department of Highways reported flooding and mud along the Duncan Canyon Road offramp, with two vehicles stopped and on vehicle in two feet of mud.

High Wind in SAN GORGONIO PASS NEAR BANNING, CALIFORNIA
From 21-FEB-23 18:00:00 to 22-FEB-23 03:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 69.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Very strong winds impacted the San Gorgonio Pass from the evening on February 21 through the early morning hours on February 22, when widespread wind gusts in excess of 50 mph were observed.
The following are the strongest wind gusts reported:
Whitewater RAWS reported a peak wind gust of 79 mph.
Mesonet station 015SCE Whitewater reported a peak wind gust of 73 mph.
Mesonet station 289SCE Whitewater reported a peak wind gust of 69 mph.
Mesonet station SCE1010 Cabazon reported a peak wind gust of 68 mph.
Mesonet station Whiteater Canyon SCE581 reported a peak wind gust of 65 mph.
Mesonet station Desert Hot Springs reported a peak wind gust of 63 mph.

Debris Flow in SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
From 24-FEB-23 20:30:00 to 24-FEB-23 20:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: DEVORE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The Department of Highways reported a vehicle stuck in mud on Cleghorn Road off of SR-1138. Search and rescue in place at midnight.

High Wind in ORANGE COUNTY COASTAL, CALIFORNIA
From 21-FEB-23 22:00:00 to 22-FEB-23 05:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Anomalously strong winds impacted the Orange County coastline from the late evening hours on February 21 through the early morning on February 22.The following are the strongest wind reports from the coast:
Mesonet station SE024 Laguna Beach reported a peak wind gust of 65 mph.
San Clemente 3 reported a peak wind gust of 59 mph.
Huntington Beach Pier reported a peak wind gust of 57 mph.
Newport Pier reported a peak wind gust of 57 mph.
Huntington Beach reported a peak wind gust of 50 mph.
A trained spotter reported tree damage as well as shingles blown off of a structure.

Blizzard in SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 23-FEB-23 00:00:00 to 26-FEB-23 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

A historic blizzard impacted the San Bernardino County Mountains February 23-26, prompting the first-ever Blizzard Warning issued by NWS San Diego. The heaviest snowfall occurred on February 24-25. Snow accumulations on the order of FEET inundated mountain communities with 70-90+ inches recorded at ski resorts, and 2-3 feet occurred at mountain communities located at 5000-7000 feet.
This snowfall severely incapacitated communities, resulting in hard closures of Highway 2, Highway 18, Highway 138 and Highway 330 from Friday, February 24 through Monday, February 27. Prior to the road closures, multiple vehicles had been stuck or disabled.  Vehicles also became stuck on the heavily traveled I-15 through the Cajon Pass Saturday morning, which ended up being shut down due to snow and ice early Saturday afternoon. As of the evening on February 27, these highways partially reopened to escort residents back up the mountain and allow for food and fuel delivery to mountain communities. 500 6th and 7th grade students who were attending a Science Camp in the mountains were unable to return home as scheduled on Feb 24th.
The following are some of the highest recorded snow totals from this region:
Mountain High (6600-8000'): 93
Snow Valley (7000-8000'): 78-90
End of Mt Baldy Road (6360'): 77
Running Springs (6225'): 71
Green Valley Lake (6900'): 70
Lake Arrowhead (5200'): 68
Arrowbear Lake (6220'): 65
Big Bear Mountain Snow Summit (7100'): 63-75
Crestline Yard (4850'): 63
Long Valley Ranger Station (4850'): 60
Wrightwood Acorn Canyon (6600'): 50-55
Impacts extended well beyond the end time of this round of snow, especially as another storm system produced additional FEET of snowfall in the following days. Residents remained trapped, transportation remained halted and resources ran dry.