High winds hit the Southland

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Strong winds whipped across the Southland on Monday knocking down trees and some power lines, while winter weather conditions prevailed in the San Gabriel Mountains and made travel highly challenging.

A wind advisory will be in force until noon Wednesday in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Santa Clarita Valley, Los Angeles County mountains, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area, San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles coastal areas, which includes downtown.

In the Antelope Valley, the wind advisory was set to expire Monday night at 9 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, northwest to north winds were expected from 25 to 40 mph in most areas, with gusts up to 55 mph. The strongest winds were expected along the Golden State (5) Freeway corridor.

The winds were expected to shift to the northeast late Monday night into Tuesday, with gusts of up to 55 mph continuing.

"Gusty winds will make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles," according to the NWS. "... In addition, the gusty winds will bring the potential for downed trees and power lines."

Trees came tumbling down amid the high winds in areas including Inglewood and La Mirada. A tree fell onto a home in Los Feliz, but no injuries were reported.

A cold storm swept into the San Gabriel Mountains Sunday night, triggering snow showers as low as 3,500 feet near The Grapevine and the Kern County line, along with 55-mph gusts. A winter weather advisory went into effect early Monday, but it was allowed to expire at noon.

Along the L.A County Coast, a beach hazards statement, which is slightly less serious than a high surf advisory, will be in force through Tuesday morning, with surf of 3-6 feet expected to batter the shore.

CNS contributed to this report.