Thunderstorm Wind in Fresno County, California

NWS Storm survey team investigated wind damage on the north side of Clovis and determined that a severe thunderstorm produced straight line wind damage at around 230 AM. Several large evergreen trees were downed on homes on the north side of Clovis.

A National Weather Service survey team along with eyewitness accounts describe the damage path of high wind and hail from a severe thunderstorm through an area three miles wide and 19 miles long starting 15 miles east of Fresno. Numerous large, old oak trees were felled taking down power lines and in two instances falling on houses. Hail in excess of one inch also occurred and combined with the high wind caused major agricultural damage to this section of rural Fresno County. Toward the easternmost portion of the damage path the width had expanded to a little over five miles. This cell is likely the same one that supported 1745 PDT tornado activity at Fresno. Crop damage was extensive with nearly $17 million damage caused by hail/wind stripping trees of leaves and early fruit set of both deciduous and late citrus. Five head of livestock were also killed. Radar reflectivity reached 71 dBZ with this cell.

Storm analysis and survey concluded that two straight line wind events occurred within a few minutes of each other in and around the California State University Campus in North Fresno. An initial gust from the southwest was followed closely by another from the west-northwest. Large trees and roof damage was noted in clearly distinct damage areas. Some evidence existed for rotation by debris but the likely culprit was some gustnado action on the leading edge of the outflows. Convection was noted on radar immediately to the south and west at the time of the event but note overhead. The largest damage track was close to 0.75 miles and up to 1/8 mile wide.