High Surf At Beaches, Wind And Epic Sunsets For Baldwin Park

BALDWIN PARK, CA — Strong winds blew across portions of the Southland amid warm temperatures Wednesday, and motorists were warned to beware of crosswinds while ocean-goers were warned of beach hazards.

Along the L.A. and Orange County coast, a beach hazards statement -- a notch less serious than a high surf advisory -- will be in effect through Friday evening.

Forecasters said surf of 3 to 6 feet would pound the coast, with occasional sets of 8 feet possible.

"There is an increased risk of ocean drowning," warned an NWS statement. "Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore."

National Weather service forecasters blamed the winds on weak frontal systems passing to the north of the region.

A wind advisory signaling winds or gusts of at least 35 miles per hour was scheduled until 3 a.m. Thursday in the Antelope Valley -- the scene of wind speeds of between 20 and 30 miles per hour and gusts of up to 50 mph.

Similar conditions prevailed in the Los Angeles County portion of the San Gabriel Mountains, where the advisory will expire at 6 p.m. Thursday -- it will be followed by a more serious high wind watch -- and in the Santa Clarita Valley, where a wind advisory scheduled to expire at 9 Wednesday morning was extended until 3 p.m. Friday.
The Los Angeles core will not escape the strong winds. The NWS this morning issued a wind advisory that will be in force from 3 Wednesday afternoon until 9 Thursday morning in beach cities, metropolitan L.A., Downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills. Winds of between 15 and 25 mph are expected in Los Angeles, along with 35-mph gusts.

A wind advisory will also be in force from 3 p.m. Wednesday until 9 a.m. Thursday in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and the San Fernando Valley, with both areas forecast to experience winds of between 15 and 30 mph, with gusts of between 35 and 45 mph. The wind will be widespread in the San Fernando Valley and strongest in the eastern portion of the Santa Monicas, the NWS said,
The National Weather Service warned that Wednesday morning's strong winds would make driving difficult on some highways, including Interstate 5, the San Diego (405), Santa Monica (10), Antelope Valley (14), and Ronald Reagan (18) freeways, and canyon roads in the Malibu area, especially for motorists in high- profile vehicles.

Over a 12-hour period starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, the NWS recorded gusts of 57 mph in the Antelope Valley, 54 mph in the San Gabriel Mountains, 47 mph in Beverly Hills, 45 mph in the San Fernando Valley, 40 mph in the Santa Monica Mountains, and 35 mph in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The NWS forecast partly cloudy skies Wednesday and highs of 69 on Mount Wilson; 73 in Avalon and at LAX; 78 in Lancaster; 79 in Palmdale; 80 in Long Beach and Downtown L.A.; 82 in Burbank, Claremont and San Gabriel; 83 in Diamond Bar, Glendora and Saugus; 84 in Pasadena; 85 in Baldwin Park; 86 in Arcadia; and 88 in Woodland Hills.

Sunny skies were forecast in Orange County, along with highs of 66 in Newport Beach; 68 in San Clemente; 69 in Laguna Beach; 71 in Aliso Viejo, Fountain Valley and Laguna Niguel; 72 in San Juan Capistrano; 73 in Seal Beach; 76 in Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita; 77 in Anaheim, Lake Forest and Irvine; 80 in Fullerton; and 82 in Yorba Linda.

Southland temperatures will be in the 70s and 80s over the next several days -- mostly under sunny skies, except Thursday, when the region is forecast to be partly cloudy.

Sunset Photo, Courtesy Brooke Morrow