Strong Winds Continue to Affect Southland, with Santa Ana Conditions on the Way This Weekend
Strong Santa Ana Winds Anticipated This Weekend Following Gusty Conditions
A formidable Santa Ana wind event is expected to develop on Friday, following a bout of strong winds that affected much of Southern California on Thursday.
A “north wind event” settled over the region overnight, producing gusty conditions across a wide swath of the area. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), wind speeds reached 35 to 50 mph in many locations, while higher elevations experienced gusts between 55 to 65 mph.
The NWS recorded notable wind gusts, peaking at 61 mph in the western Antelope Valley foothills, 57 mph at Castaic Lake, and 58 mph along the 5 Freeway corridor in northern Los Angeles County.
High wind warnings that were previously in effect expired at 9 a.m. Thursday, but were quickly replaced by less severe wind advisories that remained active until noon for most of the Southland. A wind advisory will now remain in place until 3 p.m. Saturday for the eastern Santa Monica Mountains and the 5 Freeway corridor, where winds could reach 50 mph.
As Friday progresses, an offshore flow will usher in the anticipated Santa Ana winds, expected to persist throughout the weekend. The most intense gusts are predicted for Saturday.
The NWS noted, “The most likely outcome in terms of wind speeds are expected to be 20-30 mph with gusts to 35-55 mph.” They added that isolated gusts of 55-65 mph are likely, particularly in higher terrain. The potential for stronger, damaging winds—ranging from 25-40 mph with gusts of 60-75 mph—hinges on favorable conditions related to the positioning of a cutoff low.
This Santa Ana wind event looks set to continue into Sunday, with forecasters warning of risks for downed trees and power lines, as well as power outages and hazardous travel conditions in the typical Santa Ana wind corridor spanning LA and Ventura Counties. “Blowing debris may also create further hazards on the roads through the weekend,” they cautioned.
Additionally, a high wind warning is scheduled to take effect at 2 a.m. Friday, lasting until 3 p.m. Saturday, particularly impacting the San Gabriel Mountains and the 14 Freeway corridor, with gusts anticipated to reach 65 mph. Meanwhile, a wind advisory will cover the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, Malibu Coast, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, and western Santa Monica Mountains during the same period, with gusts up to 40 mph expected.
The Santa Ana winds are projected to contribute to elevated temperatures over the weekend, with many areas in Los Angeles County likely to warm to the low to mid 80s by Sunday, according to the NWS.
