Santa Ana winds persist, heightening wildfire danger.
Strong Santa Ana Winds Continue to Batter Southern California, Heightening Risk of Wildfires and Power Outages
LOS ANGELES—The relentless Santa Ana winds are continuing to wreak havoc in Southern California on October 31, increasing the danger of wildfires and power outages. In response, the city of Los Angeles has implemented parking restrictions in fire-prone areas.
The parking restrictions were put into effect at 8 a.m. on October 29 and will remain in place until at least 8 a.m. on October 31. These measures are aimed at keeping the streets clear for fire personnel to reach brush fires and ensuring the safe evacuation of residents if necessary.
The gusty winds are primarily affecting the northern part of Los Angeles County, including the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel valleys, as well as the Malibu coast, Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the California (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors.
Red flag warnings indicating critical fire danger conditions were issued for these areas on the night of October 28 and were initially set to expire at 10 p.m. on October 30.
However, the National Weather Service (NWS) extended the warnings until 2 p.m. on October 31 for the Santa Clarita Valley, western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the 5 and 14 Freeway corridors.
“Moderate Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions are expected to continue through early afternoon on October 31, prompting the extension of the Red Flag Warning for the most wind-prone mountains and valleys of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties,” stated the NWS. “Wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph will be common during this time, with humidity values generally ranging from 5 to 15 percent, even overnight in wind-prone areas.”
The red flag warnings in other areas are still expected to expire as originally scheduled at 10 p.m. on October 30.
“These winds will persist until early afternoon before gradually subsiding on October 31,” forecasters said. “By October 31, the winds will weaken but remain gusty, with peak gusts ranging from 35 to 45 mph in the mountains and foothills, and 20 to 35 mph in the valleys and coastal areas.”
According to the NWS, widespread single-digit humidity levels are predicted to continue into October 31.
The weather service reported a peak wind gust of 92 mph on October 29 at Magic Mountain Truck Trail.
Forecasters emphasized that the combination of strong winds and low humidity creates ideal conditions for wildfires, while the powerful winds could also result in power outages.
Southern California Edison (SCE) officials have been contacting customers and public safety agencies to warn about the possibility of public safety power shutoffs. These shutoffs involve cutting power in areas experiencing heavy winds that could damage electrical lines or equipment and trigger wildfires.
As of the afternoon of October 30, nearly 3,800 SCE customers had their power cut due to fire concerns. The majority of affected customers were in San Bernardino County, with only 760 customers affected in Los Angeles County and eight in Orange County.
In Orange County, high wind warnings will remain in effect until 10 p.m. on October 30 in the Santa Ana Mountains, foothills, and inland areas, with anticipated winds of 25 to 35 mph and isolated gusts of up to 60 mph. Coastal areas of Orange County will be under a less severe wind advisory, with gusts of up to 50 mph.
What measures has the city of Los Angeles implemented in response to the ongoing Santa Ana winds in Southern California?
The ongoing Santa Ana winds in Southern California are causing significant damage and increasing the risk of wildfires and power outages. In response to this dangerous situation, the city of Los Angeles has implemented parking restrictions in fire-prone areas to ensure the safety of residents and provide easy access for fire personnel.
The parking restrictions were put into effect on October 29 at 8 a.m. and will remain in place until at least 8 a.m. on October 31. The aim of these measures is to keep the streets clear for fire personnel to reach brush fires and facilitate the safe evacuation of residents if necessary.
To stay informed about the real-time status of temporary street parking restrictions and affected addresses, residents can visit the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) website at http://LAFD.org/RedFlag. Any vehicles parked illegally in designated locations within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone will be towed by the city, according to LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey.
The gusty winds are primarily affecting the northern part of Los Angeles County, including the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel valleys, as well as the Malibu coast, Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the California (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors.
Red flag warnings, indicating critical fire danger conditions, were issued for these areas on the night of October 28 and were initially set to expire at 10 p.m. on October 30. However, the National Weather Service (NWS) extended the warnings until 2 p.m. on October 31 for the Santa Clarita Valley, western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the 5 and 14 Freeway corridors.
According to the NWS, moderate Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions are expected to continue through the early afternoon of October 31, prompting the extension of the Red Flag Warning for the most wind-prone mountains and valleys of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. During this time, wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph will be common, with humidity values generally ranging from 5 to 15 percent, even overnight in wind-prone areas.
These strong Santa Ana winds pose a serious threat to Southern California, increasing the risk of wildfires and power outages. It is crucial for residents to adhere to the parking restrictions and stay informed about any updates through the LAFD website to ensure their safety and support the efforts of fire personnel.
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