A powerful storm system impacted much of the Central California Coast on January 20th bringing a round of severe weather to the Bay Area. A very strong jet stream aloft, cold air aloft and a cold front at the surface all helped to destabilize the atmosphere, thus setting the stage for thunderstorms. Generally speaking, a majority of the storms that developed were low-topped fast moving cells that were shortlived(order of 5-15 minutes). However, a few storms strengthened to potentially hazardous levels. Through the course of the day several special marine warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings and even one tornado warning were issued. Thankfully, no reports of major damage were called in to the National Weather Service, but numerous public and trained spotter reports of small hail, heavy rain, strong winds and frequent cloud to ground lightning were recorded through the day.
Shortly after sunset , storm intensity and coverage gradually decreased. Scattered showers and thunderstorms remained through the night, but the peak of severe weather had ended. |
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