The National Weather Service's Los Angeles page recently issued a rare 'Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS)' warning in anticipation of extreme wildfire risk in southern California. The warning, displayed prominently in hot pink letters against a gray background, aims to grab attention and emphasize the urgency of the situation.
PDS warnings were initially introduced to alert the public about tornado outbreaks in the Midwest. Over a decade ago, meteorologists proposed expanding the use of PDS warnings to cover various disasters, including ice storms, floods, hurricanes, and now wildfires. The goal was for the phrase to become synonymous with extreme weather events and emergencies, ultimately helping to save lives.
One of the earliest documented uses of the term 'particularly dangerous situation' dates back to an Associated Press article from April 1, 1983, which described a storm system causing a blinding dust storm in west Texas. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for multiple counties in east Texas, emphasizing the particularly dangerous nature of the situation.
In more recent years, PDS warnings have been utilized to convey the urgency of tornado outbreaks in states like Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Last year, as Santa Ana winds fueled the Mountain Fire northwest of Los Angeles, a PDS warning was issued, highlighting the extreme and life-threatening nature of the wildfire threat.
Most recently, on December 9, residents of Los Angeles and Ventura counties were once again alerted to a 'particularly dangerous situation' as powerful Santa Ana winds swept through the mountains, increasing the risk of wildfires.
The use of PDS warnings has proven to be effective in raising awareness and prompting swift action in the face of severe weather events. Meteorologists and emergency responders continue to rely on these warnings to ensure public safety and mitigate the impact of natural disasters.
