‘Particularly dangerous situation’ hits SoCal as fierce winds return

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The National Weather Service (NWS) warned Southern California of a "particularly dangerous situation," with the return of powerful Santa Ana winds arriving as firefighters continue to battle massive wildfires in the area. 

SUGGESTED: LA Weather Timeline: Peak of Santa Ana winds, wildfire concerns

Forecasters fear the incoming winds could spark new fires or could further fuel the current ones.

The "particularly dangerous situation" red flag warning is in effect until 3 a.m. Wednesday.

As of Tuesday, Jan. 14, authorities said 24 people have died in the Eaton and Palisades fires that have devastated parts of Los Angeles County

A Red Flag Warning, which signals the potential for critical fire weather with low relative humidity and ferocious winds, is in effect for many communities in Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties through Wednesday evening. 

The alert will also expand to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. 

NWS forecasters noted this wind event isn’t expected to be as destructive as last week’s windstorm. However, residents should remain vigilant.

"We are not in the clear and we must not let our guard down,"Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said during an update earlier this week. 

More on the weather alerts issued by the NWS below. Note, some areas have multiple weather alerts in place. 

Weather Alerts in Southern California

Red Flag Warning

Due to low relative humidity and gusty winds, a Red Flag Warning is in effect through 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The weather alert is in effect for the following communities:

  • Inland Empire
  • San Bernardino County Mountains
  • San Gorgonio Pass
  • Santa Ana Mountains
  • Inland Orange County
  • Santa Susana Mountains
  • Western Santa Monica Mountains
  • Porter Ranch
  • Ventura County coastal plain
  • Ventura County valleys such as Simi Valley, Moorpark, and Santa Paula

During a Red Flag warning, officials warn of critical fire weather conditions and in the event a fire ignites, there is potential for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior.

Sustained wind gusts were expected to reach 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. 

Wind Advisory

A Wind Advisory remains in effect for parts of the Southland through 6 p.m. Wednesday. 

During a Wind Advisory, the National Weather Service warns of strong winds that could make driving difficult and could blow around unsecured items.  

This impacts the following communities: 

  • San Bernardino County Mountains
  • Santa Ana Mountains and foothills
  • San Gorgonio Pass near Banning
  • Orange County inland areas
  • Irvine
  • Big Bear City
  • Garden Grove
  • Running Springs
  • Santa Ana
  • Big Bear Lake
  • Crestline
  • Fullerton
  • Anaheim
  • Mission Viejo
  • Orange

High Wind Warning

The NWS issued a High Wind Warning, with the potential for damaging winds that could blow down trees and power lines.

Northeast winds may reach 30 to 40 mph, with gusts possibly reaching up to 70 mph. 

The alert is in effect for the following areas:

  • Ventura County beaches
  • Ventura County Inland Coast
  • Western Santa Monica Mountains
  • Western San Fernando Valley
  • Highway 14 Corridor
  • Western San Gabriel Mountains
  • Moorpark
  • Point Mugu
  • Woodland Hills
  • Van Nuys
  • Camarillo
  • Malibu Bowl
  • Oxnard
  • Newbury Park
  • Gorman

How long will the windstorm last?

Calm winds are expected to return to the forecast by Thursday. 

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