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High Winds — And, Yes, Some Hail — Kickstart Weekend Weather In Los Angeles
High winds whipped through Southern California after a rainstorm made its way out of town.
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Megan Garvey
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LAist
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A wind advisory has been issued for all Los Angeles and Ventura county beaches, the Malibu coast, and the Palos Verdes hills until 9 p.m. Friday. Including, Point Mugu, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, LAX, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, Torrance, and Rancho Palos Verdes.
Winds between 20 to 30 mph are expected, with gusts up to 40 mph.
Those winds have been whistling through trees, rattling street signs and blowing debris around areas near the ocean.
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Some areas such as LAX and Catalina Island have seen speeds as high as 45 mph, according to David Gomberg, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Why you may have seen hail
The atmosphere is also very cold right now, Gomberg told LAist, which has been producing scattered hail, mostly in the valleys and mountain areas.
That led to some wild weather earlier today with hail noisily hitting rooftops in Silver Lake and beyond and them sunny skies chasing right behind.
A cluster of strong thunderstorms are affecting the SG Valley & foothills, moving SE at 20 mph. Expect wind gusts up to 40 mph, accumulating hail up to 1/2" in diameter, heavy downpours & lightning. Drive with extra caution in areas where hail is falling! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/iUBL35Oqof
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) April 6, 2024
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Dangerous conditions at sea
Areas in light purple off the coast of Southern California are under a gale watch through 3 a.m. Saturday.
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Courtesy NWS
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A gale warning is also in effect of the Southern California coast, with the National Weather Service warning anyone at sea, particularly small vessels, to "alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions."
That warning is in effect through 3 a.m. Saturday.
Tips and resources
Look out for tree debris and unsecured objects that may have been blown into the road.
Power lines going down are always a danger in high winds, so it's always a good idea to make sure you have enough backup batteries, just in case.
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Safety tips from Southern California Edison
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- Watch for traffic signals that may be out. Approach those intersections as four-way stops.
- Make sure you have a battery-operated radio and flashlights. Check the batteries to make sure they are fresh. Use flashlights for lighting during a power outage; do not use candles because they may pose a significant fire hazard.
- If you’re in a vehicle with a fallen power line on it, stay in the vehicle and remain calm until help arrives. It is OK to use your cellphone to call 911. If you must leave the vehicle, remember to exit away from downed power lines and exit by jumping from the vehicle and landing with both feet together. You must not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Then proceed away from the vehicle by shuffling and not picking up your feet until you are several yards away.
- Water and electricity don’t mix. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Do not step in or enter any water that a downed power line may be touching.
- Do not use any equipment inside that is designed for outdoor heating or cooking. Such equipment can emit carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
- If you use a generator, place it outdoors and plug individual appliances directly into it, using a heavy-duty extension cord. Connecting generators directly to household circuits creates “backfeed,” which is dangerous to repair crews.
- Leave the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep food as fresh as possible. Place blocks of ice inside to help keep food cold. Check food carefully for signs of spoilage.
- Check on your neighbors to make sure everyone is safe.
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