Map
We had a wind gust in San Diego County of
105 mph (possibly
106). This appears to be the strongest wind recorded in the
county. We have had 110 mph at RAWS sites in the northern part
of our area of responsibility. The site is owned by San
Diego Gas
and Electric so it is well maintained as part of 185
sites in their
network.
The weather pattern is classic breaking waves. There is marginal
upper air support in the easterly flow (20 knots at 850
mb upstream)
and a strong 1042 mb surface high over western Colorado
(gives us
the cross east to west flow over the south to north
mountain ranges).
The intense part of the pattern is the strong inversion
(very warm air mass)
at 850 mb which sits at the peak of the San Diego
mountains which reach 6200 feet.
The California WRF 1.3 km model predicted 60-65 mph
sustained winds in this region.
SDGE reports damage and several locations broke wind
records by 10 mph (not
normally strong areas).
Other NWP such as the HRRR yesterday (Tuesday) predicted
wind gusts 60-65 knots
which is strong for that model. Note how the NWP surfaces
the wave to the coast and
ocean which often happens in the stronger events. Strong
Santa Ana winds in
February are not unusual but this one was very strong for
San Diego county.
Fire threat is low due to the current green up and below
but sufficient rain this winter.
