Los Angeles County officials offered a warning Monday ahead of strong winds expected Tuesday into Wednesday for the area.
Meteorologists said while the heat isn’t expected to be as bad in the Santa Clarita Valley area, the high winds, warm weather and low humidity level are bringing a red flag warning to neighboring areas and prompting calls for vigilance.
“We’re looking at probably wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph (on Tuesday), and a little bit weaker on Wednesday, but it will be quite warm,” said David Gomberg, meteorologist for the National Weather Service. “We’re looking at temperatures getting close to 90 up there, and also very dry.”
L.A. County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger said county teams would be on alert due to the combination of weather conditions, with the fire risk slightly higher in mountainous regions.
“Los Angeles County’s emergency response officials are closely monitoring the incoming Santa Ana wind and heat event. Beginning tonight, the county’s Emergency Operations Center will be activated to track conditions and coordinate resources in real time. I’ve been briefed by our emergency management team, and I want to reassure the public that we are ready to respond quickly to emerging needs,” Barger wrote in a news release Monday. “Whether you live in a wildfire-prone area or not, I encourage all residents to stay vigilant. High winds and warm temperatures can create rapidly changing conditions, so secure outdoor items, avoid any activities that could spark a fire, and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable or need assistance. Staying alert and prepared helps keep all of us safe.”
Gomberg said the weather represented the first Santa Ana winds of the season, a warmer wind pattern that usually comes in early to mid-October, known for bringing in warmer weather.
“It’s the time of the year where high pressure starts setting up over the Great Basin,” he added, “and the Santa Anas in the wintertime, December and January as well, but they’re usually colder in nature.”
Residents can access emergency preparedness information for wildfires, power outages and heat safety on ready.lacounty.gov.
