Damaging Santa Ana winds blast through Southern California

Gusty Santa Ana winds will be blowing through the Southland on Thursday prompting hazardous driving conditions and causing power outages from downed powerlines throughout the area.

The moderate to strong winds are expected to peak Thursday morning and calm down in the afternoon.

RELATED: Powerful winds blow down trees in multiple SoCal neighborhoods

A high wind warning will be in effect until 4 p.m. in the Santa Clarita Valley, Malibu Coast, Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Mountains and the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors. 

During the warning period, winds will be reaching up to 25 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds are expected to be in the hills and mountains. 

A less severe wind advisory will be in effect until 4 p.m. for Catalina Island and the San Gabriel Valley, with winds anticipated at 20 to 30 mph, with isolated gusts potentially reaching 55 mph in foothill areas. 

Winds are expected to weaken Friday, but it'll continue to be breezy into Saturday. Warmer conditions are expected Sunday and Monday, with temperatures reaching into the 70s in many areas, and possibly into the 80s in some locations.

Authorities urged people to take precautions during the wind event. Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott noted that February's deluge of rain has left the ground moist and increases the possibility of trees falling in high winds. He also reminded people to avoid coming into contact with downed power lines, saying people should "assume them to be energized and potentially lethal."