Santa Ana winds are expected to blow across Southern California this weekend, Friday through Saturday.
Onshore winds of 25 to 45 mph are expected in Los Angeles County starting Friday, according to the National Weather Service, while some mountainous and less populated areas of Ventura County could see gusts up to 60 mph.
Wind gusts could reach advisory levels of 45 mph along western parts of the South Coast on Thursday, according to the weather service. By afternoon, winds were 40 to 50 mph in the Antelope Valley and foothills.
On Saturday, Ventura County could see winds between 20 and 30 mph, with isolated gusts up to 40 mph, beginning in the morning and slowing down in the afternoon.
In San Diego County, winds Friday could reach about 20 to 40 mph, according to the weather service, with high temperatures expected in the mid-70s to mid-80s in coastal valleys.
“This is, for the most part, an extraordinary Santa Ana event,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford. “It’s faster but probably won’t be as effective.”
A high wind warning has been issued by the weather service for the western San Gabriel Mountains and the Highway 14 corridor, including the communities of Malibu Bowl, Warm Springs, Mill Creek and Acton between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday.
Northeast winds of 25 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph, are expected in the corridor.
The winds could down trees and power lines, causing widespread power outages, according to the weather service. Travel may also be difficult for vehicles. People have been advised to stay in the lower levels of their homes, stay away from windows, keep an eye out for falling debris and tree limbs and use caution if they must drive.
Temperatures are expected to remain warm through the weekend, with highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s even on the coast, the weather service said. Relative humidity is also expected to remain low on Saturday.
No significant fire danger is expected, although wind events may result in small grass fires.
“There is enough moisture in our plants and fuel,” Wofford said. “We’re not expecting anything major at this point. We need a few more months of drought before we start worrying about it.”
The weather service recommends that you leave extra time if you’re driving, as winds will be strong. The agency also advises people to secure luggage in their cars, secure outside objects and avoid creating sparks.
