California
California map shows highways where wind could make driving difficult
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists warned of high winds across parts of California that could make driving difficult on some Golden State highways on Monday and Tuesday.
On Monday morning, the NWS offices in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Hanford and San Diego issued wind advisories for their California forecast regions. Some of the advisories warned of difficult travel on highways and interstates.
Most winds were forecast to be within 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. The advisories are in place until midday on Tuesday.
A stock image shows a highway through Death Valley National Park. High winds will affect some roads in California through Tuesday at midday.
Damien Verrier/Getty
In Hanford, impacted roads include Highway 14, Highway 178, Highway 58 and U.S. Highway 395.
“Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution,” the Hanford advisory said.
A map shows which highways in the Hanford, California, forecast region are likely to be affected by high winds. The highways include Highway 14, Highway 178, Highway 58 and U.S. Highway 395.
Google Maps
The NWS said that strong winds could require corrective steering and that motorists should hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands and avoid driving near large trucks and trailers.
The Highway 14 corridor, Interstate 5 corridor and Angeles Crest Highway in the Los Angeles forecast region could be affected as well, with gusts up to 55 mph.
The Las Vegas office issued the wind advisory for Death Valley National Park, which is located in California.
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects,” the advisory said, “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Areas of blowing dust are likely and may impact travel on Highway 190 and Highway 127.”
A map shows which highways near Death Valley National Park will be affected by high winds, including Highway 190 and Highway 127.
Google Maps
NWS lead forecaster Chris Outler told Newsweek that the strong winds are affecting nearly the entire Mojave Desert region ahead of a colder system making its way into the area. He said the winds will be stirred up ahead of the temperature change, which is normal for this time of year.
“It’s pretty typical when we start to cool off that we get a few wind events with the temperature change,” he said.
Wind in some parts of the state is expected to be strong enough to prompt a high wind warning, with gusts up to 60 mph expected.
“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles,” the high wind warning in Hanford said. “Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive.”
Wind-related weather advisories also are in place for Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.