In some areas of Southern California, Santa Ana winds can reach 70 mph, increasing the risk of fires – Orange County Register

Strong Santa Ana winds are expected to begin sweeping through parts of Southern California by Wednesday, November 6, raising concerns about potential wildfires.

“All of the wind-prone areas in Ventura and Los Angeles counties will see some pretty strong winds starting late (Tuesday) or early Wednesday morning,” said Brian Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

These areas include the coast along Malibu and Santa Monica to the Santa Clarita Valley, through the 101 Freeway corridor to Burbank, and even include areas of Oxnard and Ventura.

Residents can expect winds in excess of 70 mph and temperatures to reach the 70s.

In some mountainous areas the wind force can reach 100 points.

In the south, winds of up to 60 mph are expected in places like Santa Ana, Irvine and Fontana, as well as much of the Inland Empire. Orange County can expect temperatures to remain in the mid to high 70s, while the Inland Empire will see a decrease to the mid to high 60s.

The expected wind gusts prompted red flag warnings — a sign of increased wildfire risk — for the Santa Ana Mountains, other parts of Orange County, the Inland Empire, Malibu, Santa Monica, the Santa Clarita Valley and downtown Los Angeles.

Dry air and high wind speeds pose a significant risk.

Electricity may be cut off in some areas to reduce the risk of wildfires.

“We know there are strong winds in the forecast for (Wednesday) and Thursday, so we’re going to continue to monitor those,” Southern California Edison spokeswoman Gabriela Ornelas said.

The Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department has increased its staffing to ensure it has enough manpower in the event of a wildfire, as part of the agency’s normal response to a red flag warning. The Los Angeles County Fire Department also increased staffing and prepared possible ground and air responses.

Officials advised residents to have evacuation plans and supplies in place and stay informed. emergency notifications.

“The emergency management community in Los Angeles County will be on high alert in the coming days,” Kevin McGowan, director of the Office of Emergency Management, said in a statement. “The County Emergency Operations Center is activated and monitoring conditions, but we need all Los Angeles County residents to be individually prepared, stay informed and ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice, especially if you live in the canyons, mountains or foothills.”

Originally published: November 5, 2024 4:11 pm PT