Powerful Santa Ana Winds Force Ontario Intl. Airport Shutdown

ONTARIO, CA — Due to high winds Monday, all runways and taxiways were closed at Ontario International Airport, airport officials announced on social media shortly before noon.

According to the airport's flight status webpage, arrivals are being diverted or delayed and departures are canceled or delayed.

Strong Santa Ana winds are sweeping through Southern California with parts of the region experiencing gusts of up to 80 mph that are expected to continue through Tuesday afternoon.

It's not immediately clear when Ontario International will resume flights.

Damaging winds are blowing down trees and power lines.

"Widespread power outages are possible, and travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles," the National Weather Service reported.

The agency also warned that the winds, accompanied by low humidity levels, have elevated the fire danger in wind-prone areas.

A red flag warning is in effect through 6 p.m. Tuesday across the region.

In Orange County, a major wildfire broke out Monday morning, forcing evacuations in the region. Read more here.