Weather officials have described the powerful winds that pounded southern California on Tuesday as “life-threatening and destructive,” with isolated gusts of up to 100 miles per hour possible in certain places.
Much of Ventura and Los Angeles counties are currently under a high wind warning that was issued by the National Weather Service and will last until 6 p.m. on Wednesday. According to officials, the interstate lanes 118 and 210 are most vulnerable to wind damage.
According to the NWS, the Santa Ana wind event is predicted to be the worst the area has experienced in over ten years. Pasadena and the surrounding slopes of the San Gabriel Valley sustained significant damage from the 2011 windstorm.
Here are some facts regarding Los Angeles County’s high winds and fire hazards.
Palisades Fire
Some gusts have already increased, but peak gusts are not predicted until Tuesday night.
In the Pacific Palisades, a brush fire erupted rapidly, and in just 20 minutes, the fire had spread to 200 acres. Several hot spots ignited in the vicinity as a result of the Santa Ana winds spreading embers.
Residents in the neighborhood were promptly warned and given evacuation instructions by fire officials. As a precaution, nearby schools temporarily moved their employees and pupils. Weather experts are warning locals to keep aware and stay prepared as gusts are predicted to rise throughout the day.
Neighborhoods close to the fire are covered in ash and smoke clouds. To help ground crews, a number of water-dropping planes have been sent in.
The Pacific Coast Highway has been closed in its northern direction by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. Drivers at the Annenberg Beach House are being turned around by officials.
At noon on Tuesday, a flag warning was issued for a number of places, and it will stay in effect until 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Low humidity and damaging north-to-northwest winds are predicted for Malibu, the Santa Monica Mountains, the Beverly and Hollywood hills, and the San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys.
Power outages and public safety shutoffs
According to Southern California Edison, power outages are affecting more than 7,000 consumers. Additionally, it reports that public safety power outages are affecting more than 4,800 subscribers in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Power safety shutoffs are being explored for thousands more.
Shutoffs of power for public safety:
Southern California city responses
The superintendent of the Santa Monica and Malibu Unified School District declared that all Malibu schools would be shuttered in anticipation of the windstorm.
Malibu Elementary, Webster Elementary, Malibu Middle, and Malibu High schools are included in this. Schools in Santa Monica are still operating. Dr. Antonio Shelton wrote to families and staff, “We will keep you updated on our reopening plans as we continue to monitor the situation with our partners, including the City of Malibu and So Cal Edison.”
Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Mulholland Drive and Pacific Coast Highway was closed to non-residents until 6 p.m. on Friday by the California Department of Transportation. During the closure, they advise cars to use detours.
The Pasadena Fire Department imposed parking restrictions on Monday night in locations designated as “urban-wildland interface areas” in the city that have “narrow and/or winding roads.”
Safety measures for residents
Southern California Edison cautions that power lines may fall due to gusts. People are urged to stay away from power lines even if they have fallen since they can still carry an electric charge.
A downed power line near water has the potential to electrify nearby surfaces, including puddles and damp grass.
Anyone or anything that has come into contact with a downed electricity line should not be approached or touched, according to SoCal Edison.
People should contact 911 and remain at least 100 feet away from a fire if a downed power line bursts through.
To view a list of additional safety precautions, click this link.
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