Windblown dust and ash hurting Southern California air quality, regulator warns

As Santa Ana winds sweep through parts of the region, much of Southern California have been placed under an advisory warning of windblown dust and ash hurting air quality conditions. 

Ash from the recent series of major wildfires that tore through the Southland last month has been blown through the Los Angeles metro area as well as Orange County and the Inland Empire, according to the advisory issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District Friday. Warning of air quality that's unhealthy for medically vulnerable groups — such as children, older people and those with underlying health conditions — the advisory will remain in effect from 11:30 a.m. Friday until 3 p.m. Saturday.

Satellite images show ash being swept through the region, the air quality regulator said, as much of the Inland Empire saw strong gusts and Santa Ana winds Friday. Given the conditions, Southern California Edison warned of possible power outages, and by the afternoon, thousands had their power shut off due to heightened wildfire risks created by the weather conditions.  

There has also been elevated levels of PM10 — airborne particulate matter that can be inhaled into the lungs and lead to harmful health effects — measured in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Maps showing conditions in real-time at airnow.gov, which is run in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, showed especially polluted conditions in San Bernardino County Friday afternoon.

The regulator has a list of tips for staying safe amid the potentially unhealth air quality conditions which can be found here.