Meteorologists from the National Weather Service in Los Angeles have issued a grave warning regarding an impending windstorm that is expected to pose significant risks to Southern California. The forecasted windstorm is anticipated to be the most destructive since a 2011 event that caused extensive damage to Pasadena and the nearby foothills of the San Gabriel Valley.
The 2011 windstorm, which resulted in the downing of hundreds of trees and prolonged power outages, was a result of the seasonally strong Santa Ana winds reaching lower elevation areas that are typically shielded from such intense gusts.
Similar conditions are expected to occur with the upcoming wind event, with areas in Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties, including portions of the Los Angeles basin and San Gabriel Valley, facing the risk of hurricane-force wind gusts ranging from 50 to 80 mph on Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday. Higher elevation areas may experience gusts between 80 and 100 mph.
The National Weather Service has cautioned that the winds will intensify to dangerous levels starting Tuesday afternoon, prompting the issuance of high wind warnings across much of Southern California until at least Wednesday. The anticipated strong winds are likely to result in widespread tree damage and power outages.
Furthermore, the powerful winds could potentially bring down power lines, increasing the risk of fire outbreaks. The dry conditions prevailing during what is typically the wettest time of the year are exacerbating the fire threat, with any fire ignition during this period having the potential to escalate rapidly into uncontrollable blazes.
As a precautionary measure, power shutoffs are being considered by Southern California's energy providers to prevent damaged infrastructure from sparking fires. Southern California Edison has indicated that over 400,000 of its 5 million customers may face power shutdowns in the coming days to mitigate the fire risk.
The convergence of extreme dryness, powerful winds, and heightened fire danger has put Southern California on high alert, urging residents to exercise caution and preparedness in the face of the looming threats.
