A high wind warning has been issued for Los Angeles County and surrounding areas, meaning there is a chance for strong, damaging winds in the next two days. The National Weather Service issued the warning, which is from 4 p.m. Tuesday through 6 p.m. Wednesday. Here’s everything you need to know about the warning, what to expect, and how to prepare for this significant weather event.
High Wind Storm Warning In Los Angeles
These areas are under a high wind warning:
- Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands
- Los Angeles County Beaches
- Inland Coast Areas, even to Downtown Los Angeles
- Palos Verdes Hills
The NWS forecast includes north winds blowing at 30 to 40 mph. Not to mention gusts up to 60 mph in places like,
- Palos Verdes
- Hollywood Hills
- Beverly Hills
- Sepulveda Pass Neighborhoods
The residents in these places need to take prompt action to secure their homes, personal safety, and security immediately.
Hazards and Possible Consequences of High Winds
1. Property Damage
Strong winds can cause considerable damage, including:
- Uprooting trees and breaking branches.
- Blowing debris, which can damage vehicles, windows, and roofs.
- Knocking over outdoor furniture, fences, and other unsecured items.
2. Power Outages
Power lines will likely fall from the wind, and the electricity supply will be cut off in large areas. Citizens can expect fluctuating power supplies and should make the necessary preparations.
3. Travel Disruptions
The NWS has clearly cautioned against traveling during the peak hours of wind as gusts make travel hazardous for high-profile vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs.
4. Falling Debris
Flying debris, such as tree limbs, shingles, and loose items, is a dangerous cause of injury or property damage.
How to Prepare for High Winds?
In the Home
- Secure Loose Items: Bring patio furniture, decorations, and other outdoor items inside.
- Check Trees: Cut back overhanging branches near your house. Remove dead or weak branches.
- Secure Windows and Doors: All windows must be closed. Use storm shutters or plywood if available.
- Inspect Roof and Gutters: Make sure shingles or tiles are tightened in place and debris-free.
Prepare for Outages
- Build a stockpile of emergency supplies. Stock flashlights, spare batteries, and candles.
- Charge your devices: fill cell phones, power banks, and others with their respective supply of electricity.
- Stock water and food: store non-perishable food and bottled water.
- Backup energy sources: If you own a generator, test the device and ensure you have sufficient fuel in store.
Driving
- Do not venture out: When possible, avoid traveling along roads during peak wind hours.
- Drive Carefully: If you need to drive, steer slowly and grip the steering wheel tightly.
- Look Out for Obstacles: Keep looking out for rubbish or broken branches on the road.
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How Long Will These Winds Be?
The high wind warning is expected from Tuesday 4 pm to Wednesday 6 pm. However, some residual gusts might prevail even after the end of the warning period.
- Safety Tips In the Home
Remain Indoor Low Floors: Get away from tall buildings and buildings with large, exposed windows. Avoid windows. Breakage of the glass by winds can cause some injuries. Obtain news updates through the Sacramento Bee App or local news.
- Safety Tips Outdoor
No Tree-Lined Streets: Some falling branches kill people. Abandon all the outdoor activities and postpone hiking or biking plans.
Report Hazards: If you see downed power lines or blocked roads, report it to the authorities.
What Makes High Winds Hazardous?
Although people in Los Angeles are not exactly wind-event novices, wind gusts of 60 mph can be very destructive:
Damages to Structures
- High winds can strip off roofs, and knock down weak structures, and top-down fences.
- Power outages become inevitable since lines are brought down.
Health Hazards
- Debris brought by the wind can cause injuries.
- Dusty winds blown in by strong gusts can make breathing difficult.
Higher Fire Risk
- Wildfires spread quickly with strong winds, especially in dry regions.
- Southern California’s history of wildfires makes this a major concern.
What Local Officials Are Doing in Los Angeles
Emergency Agencies Prepared:
- Utility companies are on alert and prepared to respond to outages.
- Firefighters and emergency personnel are prepared to respond to debris removal and rescue operations.
Community Notifications:
- Automated warnings are being issued to residents.
- Hotlines to report emergencies are now available for local governments.
Traffic and Transportation:
- Do not travel on highways and bridges when winds are at their strongest.
- Public transportation will likely be delayed or canceled due to the storm.
After the Winds Have Passed
- Check Your House
- Look at your roof for damage from missing shingles or tiles.
- Check your yard for fallen trees or branches.
- Look at windows and doors for cracks or damage.
Be Careful
- Even when the winds die down, the threat of fallen debris and loosened trees still looms.
Report Hazards
- Power Outages: Call your utility company.
- Blocked Roads: Report to local authorities if trees or debris are blocking travel.
Why Are High Winds So Common in California?
The specific geography of Southern California adds to the velocity. Mountainous topography, valleys, and coastal regions make for naturally created wind tunnels. Pressure differences between desert regions and the coastline also create a force behind such events of strong winds.
Of course, high winds are not unusual, but the occurrence and severity of those have increased in recent years, which may be reflective of climate change.
How to Get Updates on the Weather Event?
There are a couple of ways to get updates:
- Get the Sacramento Bee App for up-to-date information.
- Follow the National Weather Service on social media.
- Tune into local radio for emergency broadcasts.
Conclusion
The LA high wind warning turned out to be such a classic reminder of how unpredictable nature can be. Now while all these winds seem sort of routine, they would certainly cause some serious damage and disruption.
You will be prepared ahead of time to stay inside during the storm, and always be on guard afterward.
Stay alert, Los Angeles. As we all know: Preparation is the key to weathering any storm.
