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Flood — San Mateo, CA

Jan 6, 2019

A vigorous cold front swept through California on January 5th bringing widespread rainfall and gusty winds. Unstable air behind the frontal passage and sufficient low level shear allowed shallow thunderstorms to develop over the coastal waters, some of which contained rotating cells. Two waterspouts developed and made landfall as tornadoes on the 6th. Additionally, heavy rainfall and strong winds caused roadway flooding, minor debris flows, and numerous downed trees across the region. This storm

Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 796252). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.

Flood Risk Context for San Mateo, CA

This event is one of many recorded floods in San Mateo County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.

View San Mateo County flood data →

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An Atmospheric River event brought heavy rain and gusty winds with a strong winter storm that impacted the Bay Area for several days in mid-December. Cyclogenesis occurred with a 979 mb low forming off the Northern California coast.

Read the full account →