The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned residents of California of “life threatening” windstorm that could hit parts of the Golden State this week.
Why It Matters
The NWS warns that widespread, damaging winds and low humidity are likely to fuel rapid fire growth, leading to extreme fire behavior.
Red-flag warnings have been issued by the service into Thursday.
Which Areas Are Expected To Receive High Winds?
A post from NWS Los Angeles on X, formerly Twitter, said the windstorm would impact most of Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The service added that areas that are not typically windy will be affected. The NWS said the area of greatest concern was for Highway 118 to 210 corridor from Simi Valley to Claremont.
HEADS UP!!! A LIFE-THREATENING, DESTRUCTIVE, Widespread Windstorm is expected Tue afternoon-Weds morning across much of Ventura/LA Co. Areas not typically windy will be impacted. See graphic for areas of greatest concern. Stay indoors, away from windows, expect poweroutages. #LA pic.twitter.com/yl83LxeMEc
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 6, 2025
When Is the Windstorm Expected To Hit Southern California?
The NWS said that the windstorm was expected Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning across Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Power outages were to be expected, it said.
The NWS added that the strongest wind areas will see widespread north-northeast wind gusts of 50 to 80 miles per hour, with isolated gusts of up to 80 to 100 mph in the mountains and foothills.
Potential impacts included many downed trees and power outages, which could last “for several hours or days.”
Dangerous sea conditions were also forecast by the service off the LA and Orange County Coasts, including Catalina Island.
The NWS warned of knocked-over big rigs, motor homes, and trailers due to hazardous road conditions.
“Significant” airport delays and turbulence could be expected, the NWS added.
Here’s a little more details on the upcoming wind event. The strongest wind areas of LA and Ventura Counties will see widespread N-NE wind gusts of 50-80 mph, with isolated gusts up to 80-100 mph in the mountains and foothills. #SoCal #CAwx #LAwind pic.twitter.com/swzlRX2G99
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 6, 2025
What Is Considered a Windstorm?
According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, a windstorm features winds strong enough to cause at least minor damage to trees and buildings, with or without accompanying precipitation. Wind speeds in a windstorm typically exceed 55 kmh (34 mph).
What People Are Saying
Representative for California’s 28th Congressional District Judy Chu wrote on X: “Attention Southern California Residents:
“A life-threatening and destructive windstorm is forecast to impact the region this Tuesday and Wednesday. Please take necessary precautions by staying indoors and preparing for potential power outages.”
NWS Los Angeles posted on X: “Strong winds are coming. This is a Particularly Dangerous Situation—in other words, this is about as bad as it gets in terms of fire weather. Stay aware of your surroundings. Be ready to evacuate, especially if in a high fire risk area. Be careful with fire sources.”
What Happens Next
The NWS has advised residents to secure loose objects, charge necessary electronic devices and fill up generators.
Cars should be parked away from trees, and extreme caution should be used with anything that has the potential to spark a fire, the service warned.
At the time this article was written, the latest high-wind warnings from the NWS were in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday.
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