Southern California is bracing for what forecasters are calling a potentially “life-threatening, destructive” windstorm this week. The powerful gusts, which could reach up to 100 mph in some areas, are sparking major concerns about fire risks and widespread power outages across the region.
Dangerous Winds Set to Batter SoCal
According to the National Weather Service, the intense winds are expected to ramp up on Tuesday and peak on Wednesday. Much of Los Angeles County and Ventura to the north could see sustained winds of 80 mph, with isolated gusts over 100 mph possible in the foothills and mountains.
Scattered downed trees and power outages are likely, in addition to rapid fire growth and extreme behavior with any fire starts. Areas not typically windy will be impacted.
National Weather Service Los Angeles
Officials Warn of Major Impacts
Authorities are sounding the alarm about the severity of this rare January windstorm. Forecasters say the powerful gusts could knock over high-profile vehicles like big rigs and motorhomes. Treacherous sea conditions are expected off the coasts of LA and Orange County. Airports in the area may face significant delays.
But perhaps the biggest concern is the elevated fire danger. By this time of year, Southern California has usually seen enough rain to consider fire season over. However, this year has been abnormally dry, leaving the region vulnerable. Recent destructive blazes like last month’s Franklin Fire in Malibu have left the landscape even more primed to burn.
Region Faces “Extreme Fire Conditions”
With the howling winds set to rip across tinder-dry vegetation, officials warn “extreme fire conditions” could develop rapidly. Even areas that don’t typically face high fire risk could be in danger if a spark ignites.
The upcoming winds will act as an ‘atmospheric blow dryer’ for vegetation, bringing a long period of fire risk that could extend into the more populated lower hills and valleys.
Daniel Swain, UCLA Climate Scientist
The dire fire warnings come as portions of San Diego County mark their driest start to the rainy season in over 150 years. Most of Southern California hasn’t seen any meaningful rainfall since early May and has slipped into moderate drought.
Utilities Prepare for Widespread Outages
With the storm’s high potential for knocking down power lines, utilities are bracing for widespread electricity outages. Southern California Edison says it’s considering preemptively shutting off power to nearly 300,000 customers in high-risk zones. These “public safety power shutoffs” could last for hours or even days in some areas.
Adding to the problems, forecasters warn of a possible “mountain wave” event, where intense winds rapidly plummet down slopes, leading to destructive localized gusts like those that caused severe damage in 2011.
Climate Change Fuels Longer Fire Seasons
While strong Santa Ana winds are a fixture of Southern California’s climate, the rising threat of winter wildfires highlights the impacts of climate change. Hotter temperatures and intensifying droughts are extending the fire season and giving fire crews narrower windows for critical prevention work.
As the windstorm bears down on the region, residents are being urged to stay alert, avoid travel if possible, and be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice if fires erupt. Southern California has weathered many powerful wind events, but this week’s forecast is shaping up to be one for the record books.
