The storm system , which was powered by the remnants of Melor , became one of the most intense storms to impact the state of California during October on record . Numerous locations recorded rainfall in excess of in a 24-hour span , with a maximum of falling at Mining Ridge , Monterey County . This amount surpassed the previous rainfall record from a tropical cyclone or its remnants in the state by nearly . Hurricane Kathleen in 1976 held the record prior to Melor , producing a maximum of at San Gorgonio Mountain . In San Francisco , an all-time record was set of in a 24-hour span , greater than any other total since records began in 1849 . At higher elevations , significant amounts of snow fell ; exact totals are not known , but estimated to be at least several feet . Strong winds also accompanied the record rainfall . Hurricane-force wind gusts , recorded up to , were associated with Melor 's remnants . Similar winds were likely felt in higher elevations , resulting in blizzard conditions . Although the rainfall was record-breaking , it significantly helped to alleviate one of California 's worst droughts on record , spanning several years . Rainfall from the storm system also helped extinguish several wildfires that were burning in California at that time , including the large Station Fire . At San Marcos Pass , rainfall from the storm surpassed the all-time record October rainfall in a single day , with falling at the pass
Station Fire
Station Fire (2009)
October 2009 North American storm complex