Santa Ana Winds Hit Southern California
Strong Santa Ana winds are sweeping through Los Angeles and Orange Counties, prompting official warnings for potential power outages and downed trees. Residents have been advised to secure loose outdoor furniture and decorations.
This event marks a rare back-to-back occurrence of Santa Ana winds, with the second, more powerful wave beginning Friday and peaking Saturday. Wind gusts in the Santa Susana and San Gabriel mountains are projected to reach 60 to 70 mph. A High Wind Warning is in effect for the San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway corridor, while wind advisories extend to the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valleys. Forecasters anticipate winds of 25 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 70 mph in the warning areas. These offshore winds are also driving a significant temperature increase, with highs expected to be 10 to 18 degrees above normal for this time of year. Widespread highs in the 80s are anticipated across coastal and valley areas through the weekend. Despite the strong winds, the risk of major wildfires is considered low due to a wet winter leaving vegetation damp. However, officials have warned about the potential for "small fire activity," and an Air Quality Alert has been issued for some areas.
