Power Outage in San Diego, CA

A large tree was downed, resulting in a power outage.

Report of power outage to all of Borrego Springs around 4:05 pm, shortly after numerous lightning strikes in Palm Canyon and northwestern areas of Borrego Springs. Power remained off for 3+ hours and was restored between 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Several brief heavy downpours were also reported, with rainfall of 0.11 inch.

NBC and CBS reported a 70 foot pine tree fell on a home, damaged a garage and downed a power line. A smaller tree was reported down in the same area. Occurred at 4500 Panorama Drive.

A lightning strike knocked out power to 1000 customers in Palm Springs.

A band of convection formed along the leading edge of moisture from former Hurricane Paine as it moved northward. Numerous lightning strikes occurred in San Diego County setting palm trees on fire and causing power outages to 4000 customers.

A Borrego Springs mesonet station recorded a peak wind gust of 64 mph during a thunderstorm. California Highway Patrol reported power lines down on Borrego Valley Road and Rango Way, blocking both directions of traffic.

NBC San Diego reported a lightning strike to the Unified Port of San Diego building, resulting in part of the roof getting peeled back. The strike also took out power to the building, but no injuries were reported.

Anza-Borrego State Park rangers reported three power poles down due to thudnerstorm wind gusts.

A nearly stationary thunderstorm with heavy rain near the town of Ocotillo Wells caused flash flooding along the Fish Creek Wash and Split Mountain Road. Several power poles were down in the area, but this may have been attributed to high winds as well as the flooding.

Imperial Irrigation District Energy reported 16 broken power poles and associated equipment along Split Mountain Road in San Diego County due to strong winds from the thunderstorm near Ocotillo Wells.

San Diego Lindbergh Field recorded a wind gust of 58 mph ahead of an approaching squall line. This was the highest wind gust ever measured at Lindbergh Field for the month of December. Just south of the airport in National City, the top 200 feet of the KSON broadcast tower snapped off. A portion of the tower fell on 20 parked cars. Winds gusts over 60 mph blew down many trees and caused damage to houses, cars, and power poles.

An anemometer in Borrego Springs recorded a wind gust over 60 mph before it was blown over during a severe thunderstorm. Six power poles were also blown down by the thunderstorm wind gusts.

After one powerful storm struck Southern California in late February, a second storm arrived at the end of February and into early March. This second storm produced several additional feet of snow as well as high winds in the mountains, where many communities were already struggling due to snow and wind impacts from the first storm. This led to many gas leaks from failing lines that started home fires, extended road closures, numerous power outages, many downed trees, about 250 rescues from mountains in the area, as well as at least one confirmed storm-related death, and an extensive recovery process that lasted well beyond the event. About 12 persons were reported dead, though the causes of the other 11 are uncertain at this time. A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration was approved following this event.

An upper level high set up over the Four Corners region, allowing moisture to move into Southern California. Showers set up over the coast and valleys on July 22nd, and inland thunderstorms developed in the afternoon. On July 23rd, a severe thunderstorm set up over the Coachella Valley and brought 70 mph winds to Mecca. This resulted in over 8 million dollars in damages to power lines throughout the city. On July 24th, storms prompted flash flood warnings over the Riverside and San Diego County mountains. On July 25th, strong thunderstorms over Julian and Borrego Springs brought gusty winds, small hail and heavy rain.

An east west oriented atmospheric river impacted San Diego County and northern Baja on the 27th and 28th of February, resulting in a prolonged period of moderate to heavy rain. Rainfall totals of 6-9 inches along the coastal slopes, 3-5 inches in the valleys and 2-4 inches in coastal areas were reported in San Diego County, all within a 24 hour period. Elsewhere rainfall was significantly lighter. Widespread street, small stream, and river flooding resulted. Roadways were flooded and numerous swift water rescued occurred along the San Diego River which crested at 14.15 ft just after midnight. There were a dozen night time high water rescues and an evacuation of 45 persons from a hotel surrounding by moving water. This was the third highest crest on record. Flooding and tree damage also cut power to several thousand customers in San Diego County. Traffic collision for the day were 5 times their usual rate.

A widespread elevated thunderstorm event occurred across northern San Diego, Orange, western Riverside and southwest San Bernardino counties lasting up to 24 hours and producing 2500 cloud to ground strikes (4000 total flashes) over the land and California bight waters. Toward the end of the episode thunderstorms affected southern San Diego county. An upper level trough approached the coast and tapped subtropical moisture from the south. The main area of showers and thunderstorms was oriented southwest to northeast from northern San Diego County and Orange County through the Inland Empire and up into San Bernardino County high deserts, training over this area for most of the day and night of the 23rd. Two-day rainfall totals were from one-quarter to one inch for most areas and locally just over one inch on the coastal slopes of the San Bernardino mountains. San Diego county had the least with 0.25 or less and the most was the greater Riverside area with up to an inch of rain. Minor street flooding occurred in Orange and Riverside Counties. Several power poles were downed or burned due to lightning strikes. One strike hit a football player practicing at Grossmont High School in El Cajon, but he survived.

A fast-moving, upper-level trough moved through southern California on the 11th, bringing mainly light to moderate rain and snow showers through early morning on the 12th. Rainfall amounts ranged from around one-tenth to one-half of an inch in the coast and valleys, up to one inch in the mountains, and around one-tenth of an inch in the deserts. Snow levels remained fairly high with this system, with 1 to 3 inches of snow falling above 6000 feet. Between 1400-1900 PST on the 11th, a line of convective showers (QLCS) with minimal lightning, but strong winds, moved through the area. Several locations reported 46-55 mph wind gusts and downed trees with the passage of the line, as well as a few much stronger gusts which downed power lines near Edom Hill and Riverside.

A strong, low latitude jet stream brought a series of storms through Southern California with periods of moderate to heavy rain/snow, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and high surf. Three-day rainfall totals were around 2 to 7 inches for the coast/valley/foothill areas, and 1 to 3 inches for the deserts. The mountains received a wide range of snow amounts, ranging from 6 to 30 inches, most of which fell above 5000 feet. The highest amounts were in the San Bernardino and Riverside County Mountains, with 20 to 30 inches in several locations. Several trees, power lines and poles were downed from wind. A plane approaching San Diego International Airport was struck by lightning on the morning of the 7th, but no injuries or damage reported. Countless flooding reports also came out of the heavy rain accompanying this system, with southwestern San Diego County being hardest hit. Several reports of pea size hail came out of Carlsbad, Poway (accumulation of about 1 inch near I-15 and Carmel Mountain Road), and some in Orange County as well.

Low-level moisture from Tropical Storm (formerly Hurricane) Odile streamed northward ahead of the system, underneath a ridge that was in place. The heat and moisture along a coastal sea breeze combined to produce scattered thunderstorms across the coast, beaches and inland valleys. The strongest storms were in the southern Inland Empire foothills just west of Forest Falls and near Lake Elsinore, and from Kearny Mesa to El Cajon. Rainfall totals were highly variable due to the isolated nature of the thunderstorms, but the heaviest cells on the 16th produced amounts up to one-half, to just over one inch of rain in the coast and valley locations of San Diego and Orange Counties. One to two inches of rain was reported near Lake Elsinore. The San Bernardino County mountains saw generally one-third of an inch or less. A particularly strong storm dumped just over an inch of rain, causing flooding along Balboa Avenue, near Scripps Ranch and Kearny Mesa. The winds were strong enough with these thunderstorms to down several power lines and numerous large trees (across roadways and onto vehicles) in the southern San Diego County valleys (near El Cajon and Mission Valley) and southern Riverside County valleys in Wildomar. Storm survey indicated wind speeds of 60 to 65 mph and Montgomery Field measured 56 mph. The City of San Diego reported 30 buildings damaged and the American Red Cross in Kearny Mesa had significant damage including partial roof collapse. SDGE reported at least 12 storm-related power outages throughout the city, resulting in more than 6000 customers without power. A few thunderstorms were mountain-focused (near Julian) on the 17th as the remnants of Odile were pushed off to the east and the sea breeze boundary moved well inland. The storms on the 17th were concentrated over the Riverside and northern San Diego County mountains, generating amounts of one-half of an inch or less. Storm surveys were completed in Wildomar and Kearny Mesa into Mission Valley. Riverside County storm damage was reported at nearly 8 million dollars from the September 7-8 and the 16th events.

The strong upper level low pressure system that brought damaging wind and flooding on February 28, continued to produce bands of rain and snow, along with gusty winds through March 1. The majority of the flooding occurred on February 28th, but minor street flooding was still being reported from continued rain on March 1 from Riverside to Vista and San Diego as areas of heavy rain occurred during the morning of March 1st and then was followed by a continuous line of heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms late in the afternoon. Additional rain on March 1 resulted in flooding in Oceanside, Temecula, Sea World San Diego, as well as minor street flooding in Mission Viejo and a few other locations. Road closures remained in effect near Forest Falls due to a major debris flow that occurred the afternoon and evening of February 28th. Numerous power outages continued into the 1st for many residents in the San Bernardino County mountains as well. Up to 8 inches of snow was reported in the San Bernardino County mountains as well. Strong onshore winds combined with a large west-southwest swell to generate high surf along the San Diego and Orange County beaches with strong rip currents on the 1st as well.

A weak, upper-level trough moved through California overnight on February 26th, into the morning of the 27th, increasing gusty west winds and bringing a round of light to moderate showers over and west of the mountains. A much stronger, Pacific low pressure system took aim at southern California late on the 27th, bringing periods of heavy rain and high-elevation mountain snow through the 28th (with additional heavy rain through March 1). Most of the upslope rain and convective showers occurred on the 28th. Strong, long-duration upslope flow enhanced rainfall on southwest-facing coastal slopes. The four-day, storm total precipitation amounts were significant. Costal locations ranged from 1 to 3 inches of rain, with the valleys recording up to 4.5 inches toward the coastal slopes. Mountain locations varied widely depending on slope aspect, but most recorded between 3 and 8 inches of rain. The upper deserts recorded between one-tenth and one-half inch, while the lower deserts measured generally less than one-tenth of an inch. The notable exceptions were Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs in the Coachella Valley and San Felipe in San Diego County, all of which measured between one-half of an inch and one inch. The big rainfall winners were along the southern slopes of the San Bernardino County mountains, with Yucaipa Ridge coming in at 11.11 inches, Lytle Creek with 9.67 inches and Cedar Glen with 9.10 inches. The snow level remained fairly high, around 6000 feet. Most locations saw between 2 and 7 inches of snow, with Big Bear Lake and Onyx Peak recording 9 to 10 inches. The significant rainfall in a relatively short period of time resulted in numerous instances of urban and flash flooding with mud/debris flows, causing numerous road closures and swift water rescues in and around the urban areas of Orange, (Anaheim), San Diego (Escondido and Fashion Valley), and Riverside (Fallbrook to Lake Elsinore) counties. The most significant of these was the mud slides and subsequent road closure of Highway 74 (Ortega Highway) stemming from the Falls Fire burn scar. Many road closures also occurred in the Coachella Valley as a result of heavy rainfall over the headwaters of the Whitewater River, flowing down the valley through the storm channel. Area rivers saw rises of 2 to 5 feet, in some instances within 12 hours. A 10 to 15-foot-tall and eight-foot-wide section of the quarter-mile levee protecting Buckwheat Road from Sheep Creek failed, threatening 8 homes with flood waters. Westerly winds with this system were significant as well, topping numerous large trees and power poles, as well as damage at John Wayne Airport. A report of a 102 mph wind gust came from the Bear Mountain ski resort weather equipment on the 28th. Conditions support this gust, however, no damage was reported. Thunderstorms on the 28th also produced gusty winds, downing several trees and damaging power lines and other structures.

An upper-level trough deepened down the California coast and swung through southern California on the 11th, into the early morning of the 12th. This system brought gusty winds and moderate to locally heavy precipitation to areas over and west of the mountains, as well as a few hundredths of an inch of rain to the upper and lower deserts. Precipitation for most areas west of the mountains ranged from one-tenth to one-half on an inch of rain, though Orange County received more rain overall than San Diego and Riverside Counties. Mountain locations received between one-quarter and three-quarters of an inch of rain. Above 6000 feet, a trace to 2 inches of snow was observed in the San Bernardino Mountains. A couple thunderstorms with damaging winds also occurred near Hemet in Riverside County. ||A deeper upper low developed right behind the last and closed off before diving inland over southern California on the 13th. Instability ahead of the cold front set off several waterspouts and thunderstorms during the afternoon of the 13th. Lightning strikes and wind resulted in roof damage as well as downed power lines trees. The thunderstorms, along with the main area of stratiform rain, brought heavy rainfall amounts over and west of the mountains. Coastal locations received generally between one-third and three-quarters of an inch, locally up to an inch where the heavier thunderstorms passed. Several hundred cloud to ground lightning strikes were observed on the Coastal areas. The valleys of San Diego County and the Inland Empire received between one-third of an inch to 1.5 inches in heavier thunderstorms and along the coastal mountain slopes. Some urban flooding was observed, including a stranded motorist in standing water near Ontario and another truck pulled out of a flooded riverbed near San Bernardino. Some lower mountain locations in San Diego County received up to 2 inches of rainfall. Moderately low snow levels near 4000 feet dropped heavy snow in the mountains as well, especially in the higher elevations of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. San Diego County received 1 to 5 inches between 4000 and 5000 feet and up to 10 inches near Mt. Laguna. Riverside County was similar with 6 to 10 inches of snow above 5500 feet. San Bernardino County was the big snow winner with several locations reporting 10 to 14 inches above 6000 feet and a max of 16 inches of snow at Arrowbear Lake.

A strong, cold upper-level low developed over the north Pacific, with a deep trough and strong, embedded jet extending all the way down to southern California. The main area of precipitation passed through the area the 17th through the 19th, providing widespread moderate to heavy precipitation over and west of the mountains. Areas west of the mountains generally received between one-half of an inch, and one inch of rain, through San Diego County came in somewhat higher, with some amounts near 2 inches along the coastal slopes. According to the Lytle Creek HADS gauge, approximately 3 inches of rain fell in the Lytle Creek drainage (mostly over a three-hour period), causing a 2 to 3 foot rise in the creek at a point where the bed was 25 feet wide. This rise in flow did not leave the creek banks. There were also several other instances of rocks and mud in roadways, but no major flooding occurrences. The San Bernardino County Mountains were the big snow winners with Arrowbear coming in at 28 inches, Big Bear with 12 inches and Wrightwood with 7 to 13 inches. The San Diego County Mountains were not far behind with Cuyamaca receiving 15+ inches, Julian with 12 inches, and Palomar Mountain with 10 inches. Snow drifts in the San Bernardino and San Diego Mountains were upwards of 2 to 3 feet in some areas. Most areas between 3000 and 7000 feet received between 4 and 10 inches, which when melted and combined with rain received up to 3 to 4 inches of liquid equivalent. One location, near the Lake Arrowhead COOP station reported around 5 inches of water equivalent. The snow level was particularly low with this event, bringing as much as 3 inches of snow down to around 2500 feet. Graupel was observed in Temecula, accumulating to around an inch at 1200 feet. The upper deserts received moderate amounts of rain ranging from less than one-quarter inch to over three-quarters of an inch at Phelan. Some snow fell near the desert mountain slopes as well, with Hesperia at around 1 inch. The lower deserts fared quite well, with one-tenth to one-quarter of an inch in the Coachella Valley and one-quarter to slightly over one inch in the San Diego County deserts.|Strong, gusty winds also accompanied this system. Numerous gusts over 60 mph resulted in power outages, blowing dust and traffic signs blown down.

A deep, cold trough, associated with its parent upper-level low in the Pacific Northwest, swung through southern California on the 27th, providing the CWA with widespread moderate to locally heavy rainfall and heavy mountain snow. The dynamics were also such that thunderstorms, some with up to pea-sized hail, were also observed. The trajectory of this storm system brought the brunt of the storm through San Diego county providing areas below the snow level and west of the mountains with one-third of an inch to slightly over one inch of rain. Some minor flooding was observed in San Diego County. Orange County and the Inland Empire received less rain, coming in with amounts up to three-quarters of an inch. The snow level was very low with this cold storm, dropping to between 2000 and 2500 feet late in the day. From this level to around 3000 feet had a trace to 3 inches, 3 to 10 inches up to around 7000 feet and up to 14 inches above 7000 feet. Several vehicles slid off the roads in the San Diego County Mountains as well, though no serious injuries were reported. On the lower end of elevation, snow fell as low as 1800 feet in Ramona, however the inch of snow melted later that night. Strong, gusty winds also accompanied this system, most notably in the San Diego County Mountains and the Coachella Valley. San Diego Gas and Electric reported major impacts with this system, including rime ice accumulations on power lines and structures up to a few inches thick.

The second in a series of powerful winter storms wreaked havoc on Southern California on January 19th. A strong southerly 925 mb jet ahead of the cold front contributed to moderate low-level wind shear. A line of thunderstorms with embedded rotation moved through Orange County late in the morning, bringing waterspouts, at least one tornado, and hurricane force winds. Strong thunderstorm winds also impacted San Diego County, contributing to structural damage and one fatality. Large, steep surf was also observed with this storm in both Orange and San Diego counties.

During the third week of January, a 180 to 210 kt jet stretched across the Pacific and into Southern California, bringing a series of powerful winter storms to the region. The first storm made its way through the region on January 18th. Heavy rain, mountain snow, and strong winds contributed to widespread damage and urban flooding, as well as a few flash floods with minor debris flows.

On September 5th, copious low-level moisture over the deserts combined with extensive daytime heating and an upper-level trough triggered a massive severe thunderstorm over the San Diego County deserts just south of Ocotillo Wells. Surface dew point temperatures in the area were as high as 75 degrees, with air temperatures reaching 105 degrees. According to radar data, storm tops were at least 60 kft. The storm, which was nearly stationary and lasted for over 90 minutes, produced flash flooding, damaging wind, and large hail. No hail size reports were received, but based on radar data it is likely that at least golf ball sized hail was being produced by this storm. Strong downdrafts knocked over several power poles along Split Mountain Road. Radar data also indicated a rather impressive anti-cyclonic mesocyclone and strong low-level rotation, with up to 106 kt gate-to-gate shear around 4800 ft AGL.

Widespread thunderstorms resulted in numerous small fires, power outages, and damage to property. The thunderstorms began in southern San Diego County during the afternoon of the 19th and quickly spread northward across Southern California. The storms were most intense during the early morning hours of the 20th, and tens of thousands of Southern California residents were left without power. One lightning strike caused damage to a few homes in Alpine. Funnel clouds were reported in Ramona and Oceanside.

A supercell thunderstorm came ashore in northern Oceanside and produced two tornadoes as it moved northwest from near Camp Pendleton to Temecula. The first tornado was spotted just northeast of Oceanside in rural Fallbrook. The tornado knocked out power, blew down trees and fences, ripped off roof tiles, shredded a boat cover, tossed a swing set, and sent patio furniture flying. The supercell continued to show strong rotation as it moved towards Rainbow, where the second tornado was reported. This tornado tore tiles off of the roofs of several buildings along Old US 395, overturned a large truck on I-15, and sent Palm Tree crowns and a shed flying across the freeway. The tornado then crossed into Riverside County near Rainbow Gap where it damaged some small water towers, a fence, and a car. The most severe damage occurred as the tornado made its descent from Rainbow Gap to the Temecula Creek Golf Couse Inn and Rainbow Canyon Villages in far southwestern Temecula. At least 100 trees, some 100 years old, were blown over in and around the golf course. Most fences and trees in the residential area of Rainbow Canyon Villages were blown over, and several homes had roof shingles blown off.

Widespread flash flooding resulted in the closure of the southbound 15 freeway between Highway 79 and Rainbow Valley Rd. De Portola Road was littered with debris and rocks. Many low water crossings were washed out. Additional flooding and downed power lines were reported near Pechanga. A mudslide ran over Highway 79 at Anza Rd. Flash flooding along another stretch of Highway 79 near Vail Lake caused rapid runoff a foot deep to rush over the roadway. Additional mudslides were reported along Highways 76 and 78. Ortega Highway had to be shut down because of flooding west of Lake Elsinore. Nearby Temescal Canyon Road was inundated by severe flooding and swift runoff when a flood control channel overflowed its banks. Many residents in the Redhawk area were unable to reach their homes. Motorists on several roadways encountered water up to mid door in depth. In fact, several swift water rescues were conducted as motorists became trapped in flash floods from Murrieta, to Temecula, to Valley Center. Flash flooding in area creeks flooded several homes in south Temecula and washed out a section of Pechanga Parkway.

The second in a series of October storms brought with it heavy rain, thunderstorms, flash flooding, and funnel clouds. Very heavy rain upwards of 9 inches in the mountains caused serious flash flooding and debris flows in parts of the San Bernardino Mountains. Hundreds of car accidents were reported and several mountain roads were made impassible from mud and rockslides. Roadway flooding was commonplace all across southwest California. The combination of heavy rain and moderate winds caused many trees around the area to come crashing down, causing sporadic power outages. Heavy rain and fog was blamed for a 41 vehicle pileup on Interstate 15 north of HWY 138 at 1237pm. Several funnel clouds were spotted offshore from San Clemente.

The Paradise Fire, which began on October 26, was not fully contained until November 15, 2003 During the first few days of November, another 700 acres was consumed, 67 structures and 75 vehicles destroyed, 6 injuries occurred, and additional damage occurred to 15 structures, 10 vehicles, and utility infrastructure. These are in addition to the October 2003 Storm Data report on the Paradise Fire. Between 0.10 and 0.20 inches of rain fell on the fire area between November 1 and November 4 and widespread rain fell on November 11-12. The breakdown of the total property damage is as follows: 223 residential, commercial, and industrial buildings destroyed; 192 accessory buildings destroyed; 417 vehicles, travel trailers, boats, tractors destroyed; 180 power poles destroyed; 45 miles of telephone lines; and several miles of highway infrastructure. Also damaged were: 10 residential,commercial, and/or commercial buildings damaged; 5 accessory buildings damaged, 10 vehicles, travel trailers, boats, and/or tractors. The total cost of fire fighting was computed at: $12,109,127.

Named the Cedar Fire, this fire was started around sunset on October 25 by a lost hunter. Wind gusts from the northeast over 30 mph began within 2 hours of the fire's start. Atmospheric conditions remained favorable for rapid fire growth for the four days following with maximum temperatures ranging between 88 and 98, and minimum relative humidity around 15%. During the first 36 hours, the fire grew at a rate of 6000 acres/hour. At one point it had a 45 mile long flaming front and threatened to merge with the Paradise Fire to the north and the Otay Fire to the south. During the month of October, it consumed 275,833 acres and destroyed: 2403 residential, commercial, and industrial buildings; 2725 accessory buildings; 3302 vehicles, travel trailers, boats, and tractors; 500 power poles; and several miles of utility and highway infrastructure. It damaged another 155 residential, commercial, and industrial buildings; 16 accessory buildings; and 11 vehicles, travel trailers, boats, and tractors. Of the acreage consumed, 33,000 were within the city limits of San Diego. Communities affected included: Lake Cuyamaca, Wynola, Pine Hills, Harrison Park, Scripps Ranch, Tierrasanta, San Diego Estates, Poway, Ramona, Santee, Lakeside, Blossom Valley, Pine Valley, Descanso, and Julian. Federal property containing the Miramar Marine Corp Air Station, the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Control Radar (TRACON) and the National Weather Service's radar (WSR-88D) and upper air inflation shelter was also consumed. Two U.S.N. troop carriers and QualComm Stadium were used as evacuation shelters. Poor air quality and visibility due to the smoke and ash forced the closures of schools and air and ground transportation. East to northeast winds continued to gust near 40 mph until midday October 29 when the Santa Ana wind event ended. During the next 24 hours, the winds gusted from the opposite direction between 25 and 40 mph. Moisture increased rapidly and light rain and drizzle were observed over much of the fire area. As the month ended the fire was still active.

Twelve to eighteen inches of snow fell in the San Bernardino Mountains above 7000 feet. In the San Jacinto Mountains of Riverside County, 11 to 20 inches fell between 5600 feet and the ridgetop. In the Laguna Mountains of San Diego County, 8 to 13 inches of snow fell. Interstate 15 was closed for several hours due to heavy snowfall in the Cajon Pass. Snow fell as low as 3200 feet. Accumulations over 6 inches were reported around 4000 feet. The heavy snow caused tree branches to break and fall onto power lines. Urban and small stream flooding was reported in Apple Valley where one inch of rain fell. West of the mountains, 1 to 4 inches of rain fell. Low lying areas in San Bernardino flooded. Two homes were flooded in Glen Avon, and many roads between Moreno Valley and Pernis were flooded. Canyon Lake overflowed it's spillways. Rapid water rises were reported in the south and east portions of Irvine. Street flooding was reported along the coast between Oceanside and Mission Beach. Further inland, one man drowned while wading a swollen creek near Rainbow. Flooding of low lying areas and roads was observed from Fallbrook to Spring Valley.

Frequent lightning, heavy rain, and small hail were observed at many locations as a band of thunderstorms moved north and west across Southwest California. A roof collapsed from heavy rain in El Cajon. Several vehicles attempting to cross a flooded road way in Mission Valley became stranded. Four parked vehicles were washed into Alvardo Creek. At the junction of Alvardo Creek and the San Diego River, 18 vehicles in an Auto Dealership yard were flooded. North of Fallbrook, 15 vehicles were stuck in mudslides. Lightning struck several trees and power lines, causing minor fires

The first strong cold front of the winter season moved slowly across Southwest California. Steady rain fell over a two day period. The heaviest amounts were in the mountains and ranged from over 10 inches in the San Bernardino Mountains to around 4 inches in the San Diego Mountains. Three men, living in a flood control channel in San Bernardino, suffered hypothermia after being trapped by runoff coming down from the mountains. Numerous rock slides were reported along roads traversing the San Bernardino and Santa Ana Mountains. Strong winds over the mountains and deserts caused downed power lines and some damage to roofs and signs. Heavy surf, ranging between 10 and 15 feet, created strong rip currents.

The Pines Fire began on July 29 when a helicopter clipped a power line and the resulting sparks started a brush fire. The fire grew rapidly in the extremely hot and dry conditions and exhibited extreme fire behavior during the first part of August. At one point the fire was near 80 percent containment, but atmospheric conditions were dry and unstable and a large plume developed. This in turn caused fire whirls and spotting well ahead of the fire line. Acreage at that point was being consumed at 3,000 acres per hour. This led to the area of containment being reduced to 48 percent. The fire was fully contained on August 13, after destroying: 37 residences, 116 outbuildings, 169 motor vehicles; and burning 61,690 acres. Some of the injuries were from heat exhaustion due to ambient air temperatures in the 100 to 110 degree range. Over 3,400 personnel were assigned to battle the blaze, and they were credited for saving 640 residences and the town of Julian. The cost of fighting the fire was $22.6 million.

Named the "Pines Fire", it began when a helicopter nipped a power line. The resulting sparks started the fire. As July closed, the fire was only 15% contained, had burned 21 structures and 17,600 acres. The cost of fighting the fire in July alone was $2.9 million and 2149 personnel had been assigned to the fire.

Two funnel clouds were observed, one was five miles west of the Encino Power plant, the other 2 miles further to the south.

Santa Ana winds began on the morning of 2/9/02, they diminished slightly during the following night, but then increased in strength the following morning, peaking around midday on 2/10/02. Three semi-tractor trailer rigs were blown over on Interstates 15, 215 and 8 the first day, and another that night. These blocked most of the traffic lanes in both directions and could not be cleared until the following afternoon due to the strong winds. Blowing dust and sand further disrupted traffic by reducing visibility to near zero and sandblasting windshields. Signs, trees, power poles, and fences were blown down in many communities. The roofs of several houses were damaged. Twelve million pounds of avocado were blown off of trees in north San Diego County. The high winds also caused the numerous brush fires, started by downed power lines, to grow rapidly in the high winds. One that began in the Santa Ana Mountains west of Corona, spread quickly westward, jumped a highway, and burned 2400 acres before containment. Only a few outbuildings were damaged. Another wildfire, just south of the U.S. border, in eastern Tijuana, killed a 20 year old woman and destroyed 50 houses. The largest wild fire, named the Gavilan Fire, consumed 5783 acres between Fallbrook and Camp Pendleton before it could be contained three days later. It destroyed 44 houses, 40 vehicles (including two fire engines), 49 outbuildings; caused structural damage to 14 houses; and injured 12 residents and 7 fire fighters. Several avocado orchards, containing thousands of trees, were destroyed.

A winter storm that took two days to cross Southwest California created near blizzard conditions in the mountains, forcing the closure of all roads. In San Bernardino County, the Wrightwood received between 27 and 60 inches of snow. The remainder of the San Bernardino County Mountains received 18 to 31 inches of snow. Near Lake Arrowhead, the roof of an Ice Skating Rink collapsed under the weight of the snow. The Apple Valley received 5 to 12 inches of snow. In the Riverside County Mountains, an average of 12 inches snow fell. In the San Diego County Mountains between 7 and 12 inches of snow fell and 26 people suffering from mild hypothermia were rescued by the Border Patrol. In the Santa Ana Mountains, the snow level dropped to 3000 feet. Over the lower elevations, heavy rain caused mudslides and extensive urban flooding. Many of the major roadways were flooded for several hours. Between 2 and 5 inches of rain fell over Orange County and the western end of the Inland Empire. The remainder of the Inland Empire, as well as the San Diego County Coastal Plain and Inland Valleys received between 1 and 2 inches of rain. Over the coastal waters, southerly gale force winds quickly built 12 foot seas. A fast moving squall line behind the main frontal band, knocked down trees and power lines in Orange County and the western end of the Inland Empire, and broke tree branches in San Diego County.

Lightning struck the ground next to a basketball hoop at the Oceanside High School as about 200 students were assembling outside for their sixth period physical education class. Two students closest to where the bolt hit were knocked down and briefly lost consciousness. They later reported sensations that felt like being hit with a rock, needles going through their skin, and their hair being pulled. Another 100 students standing nearby reported feeling a mild jolt and the hair on their arms and heads standing on end. Lightning occurred throughout San Diego County the entire day, striking several homes and power poles, as well as starting brush and tree fires. Most of the blazes were quickly extinguished by the rainfall.

A downdraft from a thunderstorm ripped off an attached porch and the roof of a mobile home, tossed a television satellite antenna dish into a tree, and snapped two power poles.

Slow moving thunderstorms over east central and northeast San Diego County dropped over 1.6 inches of rain in less than 45 minutes. Flash flooding was observed in Hellhole and Palm Canyons in the San Ysidro Mountains just west of Borrego Springs and in most of the washes located in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Much of the town of Borrego Springs was inundated with six to 12 inches of water, mud, and rocks. As the thunderstorm ended there, a downdraft knocked down 13 power poles near the electrical substation. Along County Road S-22 leading from Borrego Springs down to the Salton Sea, flood waters carried five foot boulders onto the road surface and washed out several sections, trapping motorists on the higher sections of the roadway.

Lightning knocked out power and started several fires in the High Desert. About 17,000 customers were affected briefly. Traffic signals were knocked out in Hesperia and a garage and two cars were destroyed by a fire started from a lightning strike on the nearby power pole. Several small fires were also started by lightning strikes in the back country areas near Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear Lake, and Silverwood. Lightning strikes on the beach and in the water along the south San Diego County coast, forced lifeguards to close the beaches briefly.

A winter storm started out on the evening of Saturday, March 4 with heavy wet snow at the higher elevations and heavy rain and flooding at the lower elevations. Sustained 40 knot winds overnight caused heavy surf and several boats to lose their anchorage. On Sunday, March 5, strong winds continued to cause damage to trees and power lines. Participants in outdoor athletic events Sunday morning, March 5, developed hypothermia. Later outdoor events were cancelled. As reinforcing cold air arrived Sunday night, the snow level lowered dramatically, trapping at least 30 people in the wilderness areas of the San Diego Mountains, closing highways and freeways with seven inches of snow in the passes. Three people died and another thirteen were hospitalized for hypothermia. At the 6500 foot level, seventeen inches snow fell in less than 24 hours. Blizzard conditions were reported throughout the Southwest California Mountains.