On this day in…
1943: A major storm hit Southern California, especially the deserts on this day and on 1.24. 26.12 inches fell in 24 hours at Hoegees Camp in the San Gabriel Mountains (starting this day and ending on 1.24), setting the state 24 hour precipitation record. 4.57 inches of rain fell in Palm Springs, the greatest daily amount on record. 2.31 inches of rain fell in Borrego Springs, and 2.00 inches in Victorville, each the greatest daily amount on record for January.
1862: Epic floods resulted when it rained 30 days in succession, beginning 12.24.1861 to this day. The Santa Ana River in Anaheim ran four feet deep and spread in an unbroken sheet of water to the Coyote Hills, three miles beyond the banks (in present-day Fullerton). The worst flooding to date in San Diego County occurred after six weeks of rain. All of Mission Valley was underwater and Old Town was evacuated.