The first significant Santa Ana winds of the season, along with dry conditions spelling heightened wildfire danger, are forecast for Southern California starting Saturday night and likely will continue into early next week, according to the National Weather Service.
The gusts could reach 60 mph in parts of Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire.
The windy conditions are expected to primarily affect the northern portion of Los Angeles County, enveloping the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and San Gabriel Valleys, along with the Malibu coast, Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas, the San Gabriel Mountains and the 5 and 14 Freeway corridors.
Red flag warnings indicating critical fire danger conditions will be in place for those areas from 3 a.m. Sunday through 10 p.m. Monday, although the winds are expected to kick up starting Saturday evening.
The NWS also posted a high wind watch for the Inland Empire beginning at 3 a.m. Sunday and ending at 10 p.m. Monday, though meteorologists remain undecided as to when the northeasterly winds will subside.
#SantaAna winds are on track for Saturday Night through at least Monday. This is a DANGEROUS situation. Residents in high fire danger areas should PREPARE NOW if called to evacuate. #cawx pic.twitter.com/hLLEOs6XpI
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) October 27, 2023
In Orange County, high wind warnings will be in place from 11 p.m. Saturday through 10 p.m. Monday in the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills and inland areas, with 20 to 30 mph winds anticipated and isolated gusts of up to 70 mph. OC coastal areas will be under a less-severe wind advisory, with winds gusting up to 45 mph.
The NWS said that a surface ridge of high pressure will anchor over the Great Basin in Nevada and Utah, moving in behind a low-pressure system as it exits eastward, ushering in the Santa Anas and lower humidity.
Forecasters said humidity dropping to 5% will mean bone-dry conditions across the inland region.
“For Saturday night through Tuesday, there will be elevated fire weather conditions, with periods of critical fire weather,” the weather service stated.
“In terms of fires, avoid activities that could create a spark,” NWS forecaster Stefanie Sullivan said. “Don’t park on top of grass if you have to pull over, because the heat from your exhaust could ignite a fire.”
The agency predicted winds averaging between 20 mph and 30 mph, with gusts of 55 to 60 mph possible in some locations. Mountains and passes, including the San Gorgonio Pass between Banning and Whitewater, will be on the receiving end of the most intense gusts, according to the NWS.
“Strong winds could damage trees and other objects,” the agency said. “Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.”
Although the high wind watch currently ends on Monday night, the NWS said it’s possible strong easterly winds would continue going into Wednesday.
“Overall, this is a moderate event, but it’s definitely the strongest one of the season so far,” Sullivan said on Thursday. “The other ones were so weak I wouldn’t even classify them as Santa Anas.
High temperatures in Southern California metropolitan areas are expected to peak in the mid-70s over the weekend, with overnight lows in the low 50s.
Southern California Edison may turn off power to customers in high-wind, fire-prone areas. As of Friday afternoon, there were 150,240 customers under consideration for shut-offs. Find real-time updates at sce.com/psps.
SCE offers these tips:
- Check emergency supplies and have a battery-operated radio, flashlight and fresh batteries available.
- Secure any temporary structures in backyards or businesses, including backyard furniture and tents.
- Don’t touch downed power lines, and call 911.
- Don’t try to remove a broken tree limb that has come in contact with a power line.
- Treat crossings as four-way stops at intersections where traffic signals are out.
- If a power line falls on a vehicle, remain inside the vehicle and call 911.
- Use flashlights at home rather than candles.
- For people using a generator, place it outdoors and plug appliances directly into it, using a heavy-duty extension cord.
- Do not use any equipment inside that is designed for outdoor heating or cooking, to avoid the possible emission of carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
City News Service contributed to this report.
