Strong Santa Ana Winds Bring Fire Danger to Southern California
Winds Reach 70mph in San Gabriel Mountains, Prompting Precautionary Power Outages
Strong and "particularly dangerous" Santa Ana wind conditions battered much of Southern California on Wednesday, dramatically raising concerns of wildfires and prompting precautionary power outages for thousands of residents.
Forecasters Warn of Widespread Fire Danger
Forecasters said wind gusts had already been clocked at speeds topping 70mph in the San Gabriel Mountains, providing a taste of the conditions that are expected to continue into Thursday. A very strong, widespread, and long-duration Santa Ana wind event will bring widespread Extremely Critical fire weather conditions to many areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties into Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Winds Expected to Continue Through Thursday
The strongest winds were anticipated Wednesday "when widespread damaging wind gusts of 60 to 80mph are likely in the mountains and foothills of Los Angeles and Ventura counties (including the Santa Monicas and Santa Susanas), with isolated gusts of 80 to 100mph possible in favored areas of the San Gabriels. Similar winds are expected once again in the mountains Thursday night," according to the NWS.
Red Flag Warnings Issued
Red flag warnings of critical fire conditions will be in effect:
- Until 6pm Thursday in the Antelope Valley
- Until 11am Friday in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, San Gabriel Mountains, and the 14 Freeway corridor, with a "Particularly Dangerous Situation red flag warning" in effect in those areas until 9am Thursday
- Until 11am Friday in the 5 Freeway corridor
- Until 6pm Thursday in the Santa Clarita Valley, Malibu Coast, and San Fernando Valley, with a "Particularly Dangerous Situation red flag warning" in effect in those areas until 4pm Wednesday
- Until 6pm Thursday in Calabasas, Agoura Hills, the Antelope Valley Foothills, and the San Gabriel Valley
- Until 6pm Thursday for Catalina Island, L.A. County beaches, Palos Verdes Hills, and the county inland coast, including downtown Los Angeles
Residents Urged to Take Precautions
As the region braces for the winds, residents in particularly wind- and fire-prone areas were urged to take precautions. "This is a dangerous fire weather event. Any new fires in the red flag warning area will have rapid fire spread, extreme fire behavior, and long-range spotting," forecasters said.
Power Outages and School Closures
Due to the forecasted winds, Southern California Edison officials warned that some residents may be subjected to "Public Safety Power Shutoffs," in which electricity is cut to some areas experiencing particularly high winds to reduce the possibility of fires being sparked by damaged equipment. As of late Wednesday morning, power had been cut to more than 12,800 SCE customers in Los Angeles County and nearly 4,000 in Orange County, according to the utility’s website.
The Los Angeles Unified School District closed the Topanga Elementary School on Wednesday as a precaution, instructing students to report instead to Woodland Hills Academy. It was unclear if that campus closure would continue on Thursday.
Conclusion
The strong Santa Ana winds are expected to continue through Thursday, bringing widespread fire danger to many areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Residents are urged to take precautions, including ensuring cell phones and other devices are fully charged, having working flashlights within reach, and preparing for the possibility of evacuations if fires do erupt.
FAQs
Q: What is the forecast for the Santa Ana winds?
A: The strongest winds are expected to continue through Thursday, with widespread damaging wind gusts of 60 to 80mph in the mountains and foothills of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Q: What are the red flag warnings in effect for?
A: Red flag warnings are in effect for various areas, including the Antelope Valley, Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, San Gabriel Mountains, and the 14 Freeway corridor.
Q: Are there any power outages?
A: Yes, Southern California Edison has cut power to over 12,800 customers in Los Angeles County and nearly 4,000 in Orange County, and is warning of possible "Public Safety Power Shutoffs" in other areas.
Q: Are there any school closures?
A: The Los Angeles Unified School District closed Topanga Elementary School on Wednesday, instructing students to report instead to Woodland Hills Academy, but it is unclear if that campus closure will continue on Thursday.
