California
Southern California Braces For Elevated Wildfire Risk And Power Shutoffs As Santa Ana Winds Loom
Topline
Parts of southern California are preparing for high wildfire threats and potential power outages Sunday and Monday as a Santa Ana wind event is expected to bring strong winds of up to 50-60 mph to Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura counties—the first significant wind threat of the season.
A red flag warning is in effect for Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Key Facts
Strong winds and low humidity conditions are expected to last from late Saturday to Monday night, according to the National Weather Service, with gusts in some areas reaching higher than 65 mph.
A red flag warning is in effect for most of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, marking the region’s first significant Santa Ana wind event of the season.
Southern California Edison, the region’s main electric utility, notified customers that the windy conditions paired with dry vegetation could increase the likelihood of public safety power shutoffs aimed at protecting communities from downed power lines, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Elevated fire risk is expected in northern San Diego County while a high wind watch is in effect for the eastern half of the county from early Monday to 5 p.m. Wednesday, though San Diego’s primary power utility didn’t indicate the need for potential power shutoffs as of Friday, according to the San Diego Union Tribune.
Big Number
More than 150,000. That’s how many customers were notified by Edison they could experience shutoffs from Sunday to Tuesday, the Times reported.
Key Background
Santa Ana winds are a common weather phenomenon in southern California that bring strong winds and dry conditions from the deserts to the coastline. Specifically, air heats up and dries out as high-pressure winds travel from the region’s mountains to its coast. The winds are traditionally common during the cooler months of the year, according to the National Weather Service, picking up from September to May.
Further Reading
First Santa Ana wind event of the season brings fire risks, potential outages to Southland (Los Angeles Times)
Santa Ana winds will stoke wildfire danger and send dust flying starting this weekend (San Diego Union Tribune)