Southern California, brace yourself for more wild weather! The region is set for a windy ride with gusts up to 65 mph predicted until Tuesday. But this isn't just any breeze; it's a potential hazard.
Here's the scoop: The National Weather Service has issued a warning for mountains and valleys across Southern California, advising residents to stay vigilant for fallen trees and power lines. With winds this strong, power outages are a real possibility, and travel could become challenging, especially for larger vehicles.
But here's where it gets interesting: the recent storms that brought heavy rain to the area have saturated the soil. This means the risk of damage from toppling trees and power lines is even higher. So, while the rain may have passed, its impact lingers.
The advisory, issued on Sunday, specifically mentions the western Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Susana Mountains, and San Gabriel Mountains as areas of concern, along with the I-5 and Highway 14 corridors. These regions can expect winds to pick up from Sunday evening, reaching their peak on Monday afternoon. Northeast winds of up to 40 mph and gusts of 65 mph are in the forecast.
And this isn't just a local concern. The San Bernardino and Riverside County mountain and valley regions, along with the Santa Ana Mountains, are also under a high wind alert until Tuesday afternoon. Northeast winds of up to 30 mph and gusts of 60 mph are predicted, which could cause further issues.
The recent history of the region adds to the concern. The area has already been battered by storms, with debris flows causing damage in Wrightwood and a tornado touching down in Boyle Heights on Christmas morning. Tragically, at least three storm-related deaths have been reported, including a man in San Diego who was struck by a falling tree.
With more rain on the horizon, including a potential wet New Year's Day, Southern California residents should stay informed and prepared. And for those who think this is just another weather report, think again. The impact of these weather events can be severe, and being aware is the first step to staying safe.
