Windstorm expected to hit Los Angeles County on Tuesday, increasing fire risk

LOS ANGELES– A “destructive and life-threatening wind storm” is expected to hit Southern California Tuesday through Wednesday, the National Weather Service reported.

The wind event is expected to peak between 12:00 Tuesday and 12:00 Wednesday.

A high wind warning was issued for Los Angeles and Ventura counties at 11:50 a.m. Monday and is expected to expire at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Red flag warnings have also been issued for both counties.

According to the NWS, the strongest wind areas in Los Angeles and Ventura counties will experience widespread north and northeast wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph, with isolated gusts up to 80 to 100 mph. in the mountains and foothills.

The wind event brings an increased risk of power outages and downed trees. The NWS said the safest place is inside an interior room and away from windows. They also recommended preparing by trimming trees, repairing loose siding and shutters, and securing loose items.

Affected roads

The biggest concern is Route 118 to the 210 corridor from Simi Valley to Claremont, the NWS said.

Strong wind gusts increase the risk of downed trees and power lines, which could affect roads.

Topanga Canyon Boulevard will be completely closed between Mulholland Drive and Pacific Coast Highway in the unincorporated area of ​​Topanga, Los Angeles County, Santa Monica Mountains from 10 a.m. Tuesday until 6 p.m. Friday due to of the red flag warning.

The Los Angeles Fire Department declared a red flag alert with special red flag parking restrictions starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday. For a map of the affected streets, click here.

“It is important that fire apparatus have sufficient space to respond quickly to a fast-moving brush fire while simultaneously allowing residents to evacuate, if necessary,” the LAFD said. “For this reason, special parking restrictions may exist on certain narrow streets in brush areas only during red flag alert conditions.”

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin also activated red flag parking restrictions in the city from 7 a.m. Tuesday through Wednesday afternoon. The full list of affected streets can be viewed here.

Risk of power outages

High winds could topple trees and cause branches to hit power lines, potentially causing power outages.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power urges customers to prepare for possible power outages by keeping a flashlight nearby, keeping your cell phone fully charged and keeping a portable charger nearby. within reach.

If you see a fallen line, LADWP advises you not to approach or touch it. Report it immediately to 9-1-1. You can track and report outages here.

Southern California preparations

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state was deploying resources to protect residents ahead of the wind event.

“The state is taking proactive and early steps to coordinate with local partners to protect communities as dangerous weather conditions enter our state,” Newsom said in a press release. “We are no strangers to the threat of wildfires in winter, which is why I ask all Californians to pay attention to local authorities and be prepared to evacuate if asked to leave.”

With this week’s high winds, Ventura County firefighters and other Southern California fire departments began putting resources in place to protect residents and properties.

“We know it’s really dry. We know if there’s a fire, it’s wind-driven. And wind-driven fires are a concern to us,” said public information officer Andy Van Sciver. public for the Ventura County Fire Department. “This is the type of fire we had for the Mountain Fire and the Franklin Fire, so prepositioning equipment as we plan to do will allow us to quickly have resources matched to the needs .”

The recent Franklin Fire in Malibu and the Mountain Fire in Camarillo were caused by high winds. Predictions for the next wind event are not as strong as those that caused these two wildfires. Still, a wind event in Santa Ana in January is unusual.

“We haven’t received any rain or precipitation this year. Our rainy season starts in October and we haven’t received any rain. So this is abnormal,” Van Sciver said.

Residents living in fire-prone areas understand that when they hear red warning signals due to winds, it raises concerns.

“Probably tomorrow when the winds pick up I won’t leave the house, I’ll stay in case I have to evacuate,” Channel Islands resident Margie Bradley said. “I don’t want to be caught away from home and not be able to get my things and my dog.”