The National Weather Service issued an unusual “particularly hazardous conditions” warning for large swaths of Los Angeles County and southwestern California from late Tuesday into Thursday due to unusually strong winds.
Wind gusts of 50 to 160 mph are expected in Los Angeles, while humidity levels are expected to drop to 8%, creating conditions that the National Weather Service says are likely to cause “extreme and life-threatening” fires. .
Red flag warnings are fairly common in Los Angeles, but the “particularly dangerous situation” label is a more extreme warning that is typically issued only once every few years. The Bureau of Meteorology is warning residents to be on alert for rapidly spreading fires, power outages and fallen trees.
Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Mulholland Drive and Pacific Coast Highway will be under a red flag warning for much of Los Angeles County from 6 a.m. Wednesday due to increased fire danger until 6 a.m. Friday Non-residents are prohibited from entering until then.
Extremely high winds are expected throughout the region, including but not limited to the Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Antelope Valley, San Gabriel Valley, Santa Catalina Island, Santa Clarita Valley, and Los Angeles County beaches. Masu. , a vast inland coastal region stretching from the Malibu coast to the Palos Verdes Hills to downtown Los Angeles.
Kevin McGowan, director of the Los Angeles County Emergency Management Agency, called on residents, especially those living in valleys, mountains and foothills, to prepare to evacuate “at a moment’s notice.”
County officials are reminding residents in high-risk areas to sign up for emergency phone alerts, keep cellphones and other devices charged, have a flashlight on hand, and keep a flashlight behind their garage door in case of an emergency. People are being asked to park their cars in driveways to avoid getting trapped. Power outage.
Southern California Edison sent an advisory to about 47,000 customers in Los Angeles County and 8,100 customers in Orange County, warning that the utility could consider power outages if Santa Ana winds pick up Wednesday. . Authorities are advising residents to prepare evacuation bags filled with personal documents, medicines and other essentials.
Meanwhile, local fire departments are preparing to respond to the fire danger.
“Due to the widespread and severe fire weather conditions impacting Southern California, the Los Angeles County Fire Department is deploying additional personnel and deploying ground and air resources throughout Los Angeles County,” said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Malone. “We have ordered pre-positioning and implemented a personnel reinforcement plan.” In a statement.
In Orange County, warnings are also in effect for coastal areas, inland areas and the Santa Ana Mountains. In the Antelope Valley, a high wind advisory has been issued for the 14 Freeway from Ward Road to the Kern County line, and the California Highway Patrol is asking people to be especially careful when driving large vehicles or towing trailers. .
Strong winds are also expected in the Bay Area and Central Coast, and the National Weather Service has issued a standard red flag warning starting Tuesday morning until at least 7 a.m. Thursday.
City News Service contributed to this report.
