Santa Ana Winds Whip Up Again In Southland, Blustery Conditions To Continue Through Weekend
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Gusty Santa Ana winds returned to the Southland Tuesday evening and are expected to continue on and off through the weekend.
This marks the third Santa Ana wind event in just the past 10 days. Although, this Santa Ana wind event is not expected to cause as much damage as the Jan. 27 windstorm, which downed trees in several areas.
Early Wednesday morning, wind gusts near Pepperdine University were already at 40 miles per hour. In Saugus and Van Nuys they had hit 29 mph, and in Porter Ranch, 31 mph.
The NWS reported a gust that topped 80 mph Wednesday morning at the Magic Mountain Truck Trail.
Winds were also gusting in the San Bernardino County city of Fontana.
The National Weather Service has a high wind warning in place through noon Thursday for the L.A. County mountains and foothills, excluding the Santa Monica range, and much of the Inland Empire, include the cities of Riverside, Fontana and San Bernardino.
Northeast winds of up to 60 mph are possible.
"People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches," according to the weather service. "If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive."
Less-severe high wind advisories were in place through noon Thursday for the San Fernando, San Gabriel and Santa Clarita valleys, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, the L.A. County coast and downtown L.A.
Those areas are expected to have gusts of 15 to 25 mph.
A wind advisory was also in place for Orange County inland areas through noon Thursday.
Forecasters said there is "no precipitation in sight" for the Southland.
Strong winds could blow around unsecured objects and tree limbs could topple causing power outages.
Travel could be impacted especially for high-profile vehicles on the 5 Freeway and Highway 14, and in the Cajon Pass.
By noon, several trees were reported down at at least two schools in Riverside.
Now at Cal Baptist University in #Riverside. A pine tree smashed into a dormitory (Building 22). Staff from the city's Building Department are doing preliminary inspections now. #santaanawinds @CBSLA pic.twitter.com/5Hfr3AOYNu
— Rina Nakano (@RinaNakanoTV) February 2, 2022
Nearby, two trees fell at Chemawa Middle School while children were in class. Portions of Magnolia Street were temporarily closed and some power lines were down.
Two giant trees down at @Chemawa_RUSD. Children were in class when they fell. Parts of Magnolia St. are closed off right now. Power lines are also down. #santaanawinds @CBSLA pic.twitter.com/Bpi8D0VNyQ
— Rina Nakano (@RinaNakanoTV) February 2, 2022