LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Strong winds will continue to whip across the Southland today, especially this morning, likely making driving difficult, forecasters said.
A wind advisory denoting 35-mile-per-hour winds will be in force until in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and San Gabriel Valleys, the L.A. County coast, beach cities, metropolitan L.A., and the Hollywood Hills. The advisory will expire at noon Wednesday in all those zones except the San Gabriel Valley, where it will expire at 3 this afternoon.
In the San Gabriels, the wind will blow at between 25 and 35 mph, gusting to 55 mph, forecasters said. In the other areas, the wind will be a little weaker, they said.
“Gusty winds will make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.,” warned an NWS statement. “In addition, the gusty winds will bring the potential for downed trees and powerlines. When driving, use extra caution. Be prepared for sudden gusty cross winds.”
Along the coast, a beach hazards statement, which is slightly less serious than a high surf advisory, will be in effect until noon today in L.A. and Orange counties amid surf as high as 3-6 feet and strong rip currents.
“A beach hazards statement is issued when threats such as strong rip currents, elevated surf heights, minor tidal overflow or lightning are possible at local beaches,” said an NWS statement. “Obey posted warning signs and flags and talk to a lifeguard before swimming. Use caution when in or near the water and always swim near a lifeguard.”
The NWS forecast sunny skies today and highs of 50 on Mount Wilson; 53 in Palmdale and Lancaster; 59 in Saugus; 62 in Avalon; 65 in Pasadena and Woodland Hills; 66 in San Gabriel, Burbank and at LAX; 67 in Downtown L.A.; and 68 in Long Beach. A warming trend will get underway Wednesday, and sunny skies are forecast through Monday.
The NWS forecast windy conditions in Orange County and highs of 45 on Santiago Peak; 58 on Ortega highway at 2,600 feet; 60 in Fremont Canyon; 64 in Trabuco Canyon and Yorba Linda; 67 in San Clemente; 68 in Mission Viejo and Anaheim; 69 in Irvine, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach; and 69 in Fullerton, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. After today, sunny skies are forecast through Monday.
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