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'Dangerous' windstorm heading for LA Monday, thunderstorms possible this weekend
Tall palm trees sway during extreme gusty winds in Van Nuys on Tuesday as high winds create dangerous conditions and drive brush fires.
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Richard Vogel
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AP
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The L.A. region is in for some rollercoaster weather this week.
The National Weather Service is sounding the alarm for damaging and harmful winds heading toward portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, two weeks after the start of the historic fires that have devastated the region.
A "particularly dangerous situation" red flag warning — the sternest of the weather service's fire weather alerts — will be in effect between noon Monday and 10 a.m. Tuesday. In addition, an advisory for windblown dust and ash advisory will be in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday.
Authorities have closed Griffith Park as a precaution Monday and Tuesday, according to Autry Museum officials who noted that also means the museum is closed.
Isolated 100 mph gusts possible
Sustained winds of 25 mph to 40 mph are expected across coastal and valley areas — with gusts of 50 mph to 70 mph.
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For mountain and foothill areas, the weather service is expecting sustained winds between 30 mph to 50 mph, with gusts of 60 mph to 80 mph.
" There is that potential for isolated gusts up to 100 mph," said Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Here are the areas the "PDS" warning covers — included are fire ravaged areas like Malibu and Altadena, according to the NWS.
Areas covered under extreme winds warning between Monday and Tuesday this week.
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National Weather Service
)
(
Courtesy NWS
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It's dry out there
Schoenfeld noted that of the handful of "PDS" warnings that have been issued this winter, including the historic windstorm that fanned the Eaton and Palisades fires — this week's alert is unique because of how crispy things are out there.
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"This may be one of the driest fire weather events that we've seen so far this year," she said. "We're looking at widespread single digit humidities down to 3% for some areas."
That means combustible fire conditions.
"We still have not gotten rain since the last particularly dangerous event here. So, the fuels and fire weather conditions continue to be extremely favorable for rapid fire growth," she added.
Safety tips
Public health officials advise anyone in areas under the ash advisory to
- Stay inside, with window and doors shut. Use air purifiers or your AC on recirculate to keep ash out.
- Wear a mask, if you do need to go outside use an N95 or P100 mask.
- Secure your outside stuff by tying down anything loose
- Protect your eyes, ear goggles if you have to go outside.
- Watch for updates, listen to local news outlets for the latest on evacuations and conditions.
- Stay ready (we have more tips below from LAist).
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Courtesy L.A. County Public Health
)
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(
Courtesy L.A. County Public Health
)
Fire weather watch after Tuesday
At the conclusion of the PDS warning on Tuesday evening, a fire weather watch will be in effect until Thursday.
Chance of thunderstorms this weekend
Firefighters have taken advantage of favorable weather conditions last week to bring the Palisades and Eaton fires under control. The former is at over 50% contained; while the latter is at more than 80%.
But excessive rain could mean trouble for burned areas. Currently, the weather service is looking at around a 50% to 70% for rainfall between Saturday and next Monday — with around a 20% to 30% chance for thunderstorms.
No estimates currently on expected rainfall this weekend, but the chance of thunderstorms, Schoenfeld said, "that does bring the potential for isolated areas of excessive rain and flooding, which would be of concern for burn scars."
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Fire resources and tips
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If you have to evacuate:
- Why fire officials don't want you to stay and defend your home
- How to get packed up
- How to leave your house
- What evacuation terms mean and how to sign up for alerts
Navigating fire conditions:
- How to drive in high winds and fire danger
- How to prep for power outages
- How to navigate poor air quality
How to help yourself and others:
- Resources for fire victims, evacuees and first responders
- If you want to help fire victims, resist the urge to volunteer
- How to help find lost pets
How to start the recovery process:
- What to do — and not do — when you get home after a wildfire
- How to make an insurance claim
- How to safely clean up wildfire ash
What to do for your kids:
- How to talk to children about wildfires and losing a home
- What parents should know about wildfire air quality
Prepare for the next disaster:
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