Jan 5, 2017
Low pressure moving southeastward into central CA from the Pacific Northwest allowed subtropical moisture stream to be pumped into the region bringing heavy rainfall to the San Joaquin Valley and foothill areas. Orographic lifting caused intensification of rains at times. Heavy mountain snows also occurred. Low clouds and fog from the orographic lifting also created dangerous driving conditions for the Kern County mountain passes.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 673896). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Kern County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.