LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Cold Santa Ana winds blew across the Southland today and, though not as strong as Monday's, they generated gusts as strong as 65 miles per hour in the San Gabriel Mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
A high wind warning, the most serious of the wind advisories in effect today, was issued for the San Gabriels and scheduled to expire at noon. Northeast winds of 20 to 40 mph were recorded in the San Gabriels, along with 65-mph gusts, according to the National Weather Service. The winds will weaken to between 15 and 30 mph with 45-mph gusts this afternoon.
“Damaging winds will blow down large objects such as trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for drivers of high- profile vehicles,” according to an NWS statement.
Less serious wind advisories were in effect until 3 p.m. in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys and the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area. A wind advisory was also in effect, until noon, in the L.A. coastal zone, which includes, beach cities -- among them Malibu, Long Beach and Santa Monica - - plus Beverly Hills, Downtown L.A. and Hollywood.
The winds, Santa Anas out of the northeast, were being chilled by a cold air mass, said NWS meteorologist Curt Kaplan. He said the winds would mostly taper off this afternoon and die down tonight.
In the meantime, winds of 20 to 35 mph, gusting to 50 mph, will blow across the San Fernando Valley and in the Santa Monica Mountains; 25 to 35 mph with 55-mph gusts in the Santa Clarita Valley; and 15 to 30 mph with 40-mph gusts in the L.A. coastal zone.
Winds of 15-25 mph with 30 mph gusts were blowing in the San Gabriel Valley, where a wind advisory was in effect until it was canceled around 1:30 a.m.
The NWS said roads affected by the winds across the region include Interstate 5 through the Grapevine in the San Gabriels, the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway, Highways 23, 101, 118, 210 and 126, and, in the Santa Monicas, Kanan, Malibu Canyon, Topanga, and Decker Canyon Roads.
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,” warned the NWS. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
“People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.”
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