Forecasters are warning that the “life-threatening and destructive” storm is expected to continue for several days and impact large swathes of Southern California starting early Tuesday.
Offshore winds will be dry, unpredictable and strong, potentially reaching up to 160 mph in some areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the National Weather Service warns. In a dry landscape, large-scale wind events are once again creating particularly dangerous fire weather conditions. This means that once a fire starts, it can spread quickly and become an unstable, fast-moving wildfire.
Southern California Edison announced Tuesday that it would cut power to more than 4,200 customers in the Inland Empire and parts of Los Angeles County, with an additional 4,700 customers potentially affected.
Here’s what you need to know:
What are your main concerns?
National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Kittel said this is not a typical Santa Ana wind phenomenon, but it does bring dry northeasterly winds to the region. The widespread wind phenomenon is expected to cause disruptions starting Tuesday from southern Santa Barbara County to San Diego County and continuing through at least Friday.
WIND SPEED: The National Weather Service has issued wind watches and warnings for much of Southern California. Los Angeles and Ventura counties are expected to see sustained winds of 35 to 50 mph, with gusts of 50 to 80 mph possible. Winds of up to 160 mph are possible in some windy corridors. Severe Fire Weather: A red flag warning has been issued across the region due to “very rapid fire spread, extreme fire behavior, and increased risk of large fires with long-range detection.” There is. Some areas fall under the strictest alert, which indicates particularly dangerous conditions. Wind damage: Strong winds could knock down trees, cause power outages and localized damage to structures and overturn big rigs, trailers and campers, the National Weather Service warned. “Mountain wave” winds: Forecasters are warning of a wind phenomenon that could cause brief but highly destructive winds, especially in the San Gabriel foothills and valleys. National Weather Service meteorologist Rich Thompson said mountain wave activity occurs when gusts of wind move quickly down mountain slopes and increase in strength as they hit flat terrain, creating “very strong and dangerous winds. The wind will blow briefly.” This could be the strongest storm since 2011, which caused severe damage in Pasadena, Altadena and other areas of the San Gabriel Valley, leaving more than 400,000 people without power for days. Hazardous Sea Conditions: Rough seas, strong winds and over-harbour conditions are a concern off the coast of Los Angeles and Orange counties, including Catalina Island.
Where are you most at risk?
Forecasters say it’s difficult to single out the most dangerous area for the storm, given its size, expected duration and potential strength.
Most of Los Angeles and Ventura counties: “Given the widespread nature of the winds we’re expecting, it’s a very high level of concern everywhere,” Thompson said. “Anywhere in Los Angeles County outside of the Antelope Valley, from the mountains to the coast…prepare to take action if a fire breaks out during this event.” “Particularly Hazardous Conditions: Red Flag Warning – Highest Alert.” — Published Tuesday and Wednesday for the San Gabriel Mountains, foothills and valleys. San Fernando Valley and foothills. Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Coastal area along Sepulveda Pass. Head to Malibu via the Santa Monica Mountains. And Simi Valley.
heads up! ! ! Life-threatening, destructive and widespread storms are expected across much of Ventura/Los Angeles County from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning. Areas that don’t normally experience strong winds will also be affected. See diagram for areas of most concern. Stay indoors, away from windows, and be prepared for power outages. #LA pic.twitter.com/yl83LxeMEc
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 6, 2025 Mountain wave winds could reach speeds of 80 to 160 mph and are expected to be strongest along the 118 and 210 freeways, including the San Gabriel and San Fernando foothills, Simi Valley, and eastern Ventura County valleys. Areas of particular concern are the San Fernando foothills, including Sylmar, Porter Ranch, La Crescenta to the east, Altadena, Monrovia, Azusa and Glendora, the weather service said. Orange County: A red flag warning is in effect for the entire county from Tuesday through Tuesday. Concerns are growing for the Santa Ana Mountains Thursday. San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego Counties: A red flag warning is in effect for the Inland Empire and the county’s mountains and valleys from Tuesday through Thursday. San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties: Wind gusts of 40 and 50 mph are expected, with the most dangerous conditions expected in mountainous and hilly areas. Parts of Santa Barbara County are also under a red flag warning for Tuesday and Wednesday.
When is it happening?
Winds will begin early Tuesday and will likely continue across the region into Friday.
Tuesday through Wednesday: Winds are expected to peak across Southern California, raising red flags for especially dangerous conditions. Tuesday noon to Wednesday noon: The worst mountain winds possible. Thursday through Friday: A fire weather watch will remain in place for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to lingering winds. Winds are expected to start to die down Friday.
How to prepare
The National Weather Service is urging residents to act as soon as possible.
Please keep your lost items safe. Adjust your travel plans for Tuesday or Wednesday. Charge your essential electronic devices. Fill up the generator. Park your car away from trees. When the wind picks up, move away from trees and windows.
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