A “life-threatening, destructive windstorm” is expected to hit Ventura and Los Angeles counties from Tuesday into Wednesday, the National Weather Service reported.
The wind event is expected to last between Tuesday into Wednesday, with the peak period being between 12 p.m. Tuesday to 12 p.m Wednesday.
A high wind warning was issued for both Los Angeles and Ventura counties Monday at 11:50 a.m. and it is set to expire Wednesday at 6 p.m.
According to the NWS, the strongest wind areas of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties will see widespread north and northeast wind gusts of 50-80 mph, with isolated gusts up to 80-100 mph in the mountains and foothills.
The greatest concern is for Highway 118 to the 210 corridor from Simi Valley to Claremont, NWS said.
The wind event brings an increased risk for power outages and downed trees. The NWS said the safest place to be is inside in an interior room, and away from windows. They also recommended preparing by trimming trees, repairing loose siding and shutters, and securing loose items.
With the return of the Santa Ana winds this week, Ventura County Fire and other Southern California fire departments have begun to put resources in place to protect residents and properties.
“We know things are really dry. We know if there is a fire, it’s wind driven. And wind driven fires are our concern,” said Andy Van Sciver, the public information officer for Ventura County Fire. “That’s the type of fire we had for the Mountain fire and the Franklin Fire, so pre-positioning equipment as we’re planning to do will allow us to have resources quickly to the need.”
The recent Franklin Fire in Malibu and the Mountain Fire in Camarillo were driven by the strong winds. The forecast for the upcoming wind event isn’t as strong as what drove those two wildfires. Still, a Santa Ana wind event in January is unusual.
“We haven’t gotten any rain or precipitation this year. Our rainy season starts in October and we haven’t gotten any rain at all. So this is abnormal,” said Van Sciver.
Residents living in fire prone areas understand that when they hear Red Flag warnings because of winds, it raises concerns.
“Probably tomorrow when the winds kick up I’m not going to leave home I’m going to stay in case I have to evacuate,” said Channel Islands resident Margie Bradley. “I don’t want to be caught away from home and not be able to get my stuff and get my dog.”
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