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Strong Santa Anas Winds Return To SoCal. What To Watch Out For
A map of wind gusts across SoCal measured in knots. The National Weather Service says the strongest winds will be in the mountains and foothills.
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Courtesy NWS
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Santa Ana winds will create hazardous driving conditions today as downed trees and power lines could occur.
Quick Facts
- Today’s weather: Sunny, windy
- Beaches: low 70s
- Mountains: 50s-60s
- Inland: low 70s
- Warnings and advisories: High Wind Warning
The offshore flow will continue to keep temperatures cool for today and with these strong winds it will feel chilly along the coasts and mountains. Expect highs in the low 70s across the Southland and sunny skies.
In the Riverside and San Bernardino county mountains, in higher elevation will be chillier with highs in the mid 40s, 50s at lower elevations. In the San Gabriel mountains, higher elevations will see highs in the 50s, in the 60s for the lower elevations. The Santa Ana mountains will see highs in the mid 60s.
Tonight's lows will drop to the low 50s for the inland coast, upper 40s for the valleys, 30s for the mountains.
About those Santa Anas
Santa Ana winds today will be the strongest from mid morning through the afternoon.
Some areas to look out for include the eastern San Fernando Valley and the Inland Empire, which could see winds of up to 40 mph and gusts between 60 mph to 70 mph until 4 p.m. Prevailing winds in Orange County could get up to 50 mph with gusts up to 90 mph around the Santa Ana mountains and the Cajon Pass.
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Citing the high winds, the L.A. Zoo said it will be closed today, and told the public to check www.lazoo.org for updates.
In San Marino, a large tree toppled across Randolph Ave just west of San Pascual St, landing on several parked cars.
High wind tips
Safety tips from Southern California Edison
- 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.
This day in history
On this day in 1982 in Anaheim, Metallica played their first show. Dave Mustaine broke a guitar string that stopped the show for 10 minutes.
Things to do
- Paint n’ Sip Event with Ali Futrell: Women’s History Month art events are on tap all month long at Create Studio in Venice. This week, check out a Paint ’n Sip event with artist Ali Futrell whose bright, floral motifs are a great way to get in the spring spirit. Tickets include wine and all art supplies.
Check out our full list of things to do this week.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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