Southern California is bracing for the strongest winds in over a decade, with gusts expected to reach up to 80 mph on Tuesday and early Wednesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned. In some mountain and foothill areas, isolated gusts could top 100 mph, creating conditions that threaten structural damage, power outages, and an elevated risk of wildfires.
The windstorm will primarily affect Los Angeles and Ventura counties, beginning Tuesday afternoon and peaking in the early hours of Wednesday. The powerful offshore winds could wreak havoc across the region, downing trees and toppling vehicles such as big rigs, trailers, and motorhomes. Coastal areas, including Catalina Island, will also experience dangerous conditions, and the NWS cautioned that delays and turbulence at local airports are likely.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs Considered
Southern California Edison (SCE) has indicated that public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) are being considered for nearly 300,000 customers in high-risk areas. These preemptive outages aim to reduce the chance of electrical equipment sparking fires during such severe wind conditions. The utility noted that while the grid is designed to handle strong winds, airborne debris or falling trees pose a significant threat to power lines.
“The grid is built to withstand strong winds,” said Jeff Monford, an SCE spokesperson. “The issue here is the possibility of debris becoming airborne and hitting wires or a tree coming down.”
Planned shutoffs could take place Tuesday and Wednesday as a precautionary measure.
Fire Risks at an All-Time High
The upcoming winds are expected to act as an “atmospheric blow-dryer,” further drying out already parched vegetation, according to Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with UCLA and the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The risk is particularly pronounced in areas that saw heavy growth during last year’s wet season.
“We really haven’t seen a season as dry as this one follow a season as wet as the previous one,” Swain said. “All of that extra abundant growth of grass and vegetation followed immediately by a wind event of this magnitude while it’s still so incredibly dry elevates the risk.”
Southern California has experienced only 0.1 inches of rain since May, leaving the region in moderate drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Recent winds, including the infamous Santa Anas, have also contributed to unseasonably warm temperatures and heightened fire concerns. The potential for fire is particularly high in areas like the footprint of the Franklin Fire, which burned through Malibu last month, destroying 48 structures. That fire was one of nearly 8,000 wildfires that scorched over 1,560 square miles in California last year.
A Storm of Historic Magnitude
The last windstorm of this magnitude struck Southern California in November 2011, knocking out power to more than 400,000 customers in Los Angeles County. Streets were left dark and silent, with traffic signals offline, the Los Angeles Times reported at the time. This week’s winds could prove equally disruptive, with the NWS urging residents to prepare for potential hazards, including falling trees, debris, and power outages. Authorities are asking residents to remain vigilant, secure outdoor furniture or objects, and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.
