Both a High Wind Warning and a Red Flag Warning have been issued for the Santa Clarita Valley as the “strongest wind event of the season” is expected to bring gusts of up to 70 mph.
Strongest wind event of the season,10pm this evening to 4am, Wed. Strong damaging winds, gusts to 60 mph. May blow down large objects such as trees and power lines. Avoid being outside in forested areas around trees and branches. Use caution if you must drive. Please be safe! https://t.co/gjCWoKihMx
— Angeles_NF (@Angeles_NF) January 18, 2021
On Monday, officials with the National Weather Service (NWS) issued both a High Wind Warning and a Red Flag Warning as a result of what some are calling the “strongest wind event of the season.”
“The emergency management community in L.A. County, at large, will be on high alert tonight,” said Kevin McGowan, director of Los Angeles County’s Office of Emergency Management, in a statement Monday.
In Santa Clarita, northeast winds are predicted to race through the valley at speeds between 40-50 mph, with gusts of up to 70 mph lasting from 10 p.m. Monday to 4 a.m. Wednesday.
“People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches,” the text of the High Wind Warning reads. “If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.”
Additionally, relative humidity is predicted to range between 12 and 25 percent Monday, increasing to between 20 and 30 percent by Tuesday evening.
“If fire ignition occurs, conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread, long range spotting, and extreme fire behavior which would threaten life and property,” the text of the Red Flag Warning reads. “Due to the strength of the expected winds, there will be an increased potential for downed trees and powerlines, causing an increased threat of fire ignitions. In addition, there will be an increased risk for power outages.”
See Related: Public Safety Power Shut Offs Implemented In Areas In Canyon Country
Ahead of the worst of the wind event, officials with Southern California Edison (SCE) implemented a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in Canyon Country Monday morning, with power not expected to be restored to the area until Wednesday evening.
Additionally, nearly all of the Santa Clarita Valley was being monitored for similar outages as of Monday morning, with the longest duration listed as lasting through Wednesday.
“When forecasts indicate elevated weather conditions, we’ll begin assessing the potential impact to affected areas,” a statement from the SCE website reads. “We’ll analyze historical data to help predict the likelihood of a wildfire occurring, closely monitor weather watch alerts from the National Weather Service, and place incident responders on alert, if needed.”
Public safety officials urge residents to plan ahead for the potential impact of the winds, as well as be prepared to evacuate their homes should a fire break out.
“Our emergency response officials are world-class and will stand ready to defend lives and property,” McGowan said. “But, we need collaboration from all residents who live in L.A. County to stay safe as a region. We must all do our part by staying informed and being ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice, especially if you live in canyon, mountain or foothill communities.”
The High Wind Warning is set to last from 10 p.m. Monday to 4 a.m. Wednesday, while the Red Flag Warning is set to last from 10 p.m. Monday to 10 p.m. Tuesday.
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