Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Winds Have Died Down, but Santa Anas Will Return, National Weather Service Says

STAFF REPORT

The winds have died down, but they are forecast to return according to the National Weather Service.

“A very strong, widespread, and destructive north to northeast windstorm will bring Extremely Critical fire weather conditions to many areas of Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday afternoon,” according to the National Weather Service. “This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION (PDS) Red Flag Warning event in many areas, with the combination of very strong upper level wind support, tightening offshore pressure gradients and moderate cold air advection.”

“The strongest winds with this event are expected to be Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday afternoon when widespread damaging wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph are likely,” forecasters said. “The San Gabriel mountains, Santa Susana mountains, and foothills of the San Gabriel/San Fernando Valleys will likely see areas of destructive wind gusts between 80 and 100 mph. … The strong winds will likely result in widespread downed trees/power lines, as well as widespread power outages.”

Forecasters said the event “will likely be the most destructive windstorm seen since 2011 windstorm that did extensive damage to Pasadena and nearby foothills of the San Gabriel Valley. Any communities along Highway 118 and 210 corridors will be at highest risk for comparable wind damage.”

Forecasters warned particularly of the possibility of “breaking mountain waves.”