LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Light rain fell in parts of the Southland today, but while the wet weather largely subsided by late morning, it was replaced by winds that are expected to become progressively stronger into the weekend.
In fact, the National Weather Service warned that the gusting winds “will strengthen on Saturday and early Sunday to strong and possibly damaging levels, particularly in the mountains and foothills.''
The Weather Service issued a wind advisory that will be in effect until 3 p.m. Saturday for Los Angeles County mountain areas, forecasting northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. The wind advisory will be replaced by a high wind watch on Saturday afternoon continuing into Sunday morning, when winds are predicted from 30 to 40 mph, and gusts to 65 mph.
“Damaging winds could blow down large objects such as trees and power lines,'' according to the NWS. “Power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for drivers of high-profile vehicles. Roads that may be affected include Highway 33 in Ventura County as well as Interstate 5 and Highway 14 in Los Angeles County.''
The Antelope Valley will also be under a wind advisory until 3 p.m. Saturday, with similar wind speeds forecasted, followed by a high wind watch that'll be in effect Saturday afternoon to late Saturday night.
In the Santa Clarita Valley, a wind advisory will be in effect until 9 p.m. Friday, with winds forecast between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph.
Another weak storm system will also bring a slight chance of more light rain Saturday night into Sunday, although forecasters said the rain will likely be restricted to mountain areas in the eastern reaches of the county.
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