High winds expected to last through at least Wednesday are forecast to whip around the Santa Clarita Valley, weather officials said Monday.
However, in true California fashion, they’re expected to keep things dry and windy, without the windchill one might generally expect from winds that could reach up to 60 mph, said John Dumas, meteorologist for the National Weather Service.
“We are looking for it to be windy, we’re calling it a cold Santa Ana — unlike your normal Santa Ana winds, where it’s going to be 1,000 degrees outside, maybe temperatures of up to 80 degrees, because it’s December.
“But the winds themselves will probably be the strongest we’ve seen of the season,” he added. “It’s going to be breezy all week.”
The winds will bring cold, dry air in at night, as part of what he called an “extended” condition, because the gusts are supposed to reach a zenith overnight Monday through Tuesday morning, taper off during Tuesday and then return Wednesday.
However, cold is obviously relative, and the only areas where temperatures have dipped to the freezing levels overnight is in the Antelope Valley, Dumas added.
The lows for the Santa Clarita Valley over the next five to seven days are expected to stay in the low-50s, according to Weather Service projections.
Weather officials issued a Red Flag Warning for much of the area surrounding the Santa Clarita Valley, including the L.A. and Ventura-area mountains; however, Santa Clarita was not included, he said.
Several cautions associated with the extreme wind were mentioned in the alert:
“Winds this strong may down trees and power lines, causing property damage or power outages. In addition, there is the potential for blowing dust and debris, especially near recent burn areas. Cross winds can make driving difficult, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles and vehicles towing trailers.Secure all loose outdoor furniture in advance of the onset of strong winds. ”
A warning from the National Weather Service also warnedSanta Clarita Valley residents about decorations for what many consider the most wonderful time of the year.
“If people haven’t anchored them down very well,” Dumas said, “you might see a lot of snowmen floating through your neighborhood.”
