Santa Ana Winds Threaten LA: What’s Closed, Where You Can’t Park And Who Could Lose Power

LOS ANGELES, CA — Dangerous Santa Ana winds prompted road closures in the Santa Monica Mountains and parking restrictions across fire-prone Los Angeles neighborhoods Thursday as much of the county braced for critical wildfire conditions through Saturday.

The restrictions come as the National Weather Service warns that strong winds, low humidity and hot weather could fuel rapidly spreading wildfires. Red flag warnings will remain in effect across much of Los Angeles County until 8 p.m. Saturday.

Wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph are expected in mountain areas, with gusty conditions also forecast across valleys and coastal communities.

In response, authorities have closed at least two major roads, shuttered parks in the Santa Monica Mountains and banned parking in certain areas where narrow roads could complicate evacuations.

Topanga Canyon Closures

Topanga Canyon Boulevard was closed to nonresidents at 6 a.m. Thursday between Pacific Coast Highway and Mulholland Drive. The closure is scheduled to remain in effect until 10 p.m. Friday.

Old Topanga Canyon Road is also closed between Mulholland Highway and Topanga Canyon.

Only residents will be permitted to travel along the affected routes during the closures.

Red Flag Parking Restrictions

The Los Angeles Fire Department has also imposed red flag parking restrictions on designated streets throughout the city's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

The restrictions will remain in effect through at least 6 a.m. Saturday.

Parking is prohibited along posted streets where vehicles could block fire engines or prevent residents from evacuating during a wildfire.

The restrictions affect designated hillside streets in a wide range of neighborhoods, including the Santa Monica Mountains, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Bel-Air and Beverly Crest.

In the San Fernando Valley, restrictions apply to designated hillside streets south of Ventura Boulevard, along with other streets in the northwest and northeast corners of the Valley.

Streets in El Sereno, Eagle Rock, Mount Washington, Highland Park and Silver Lake are also affected.

More than 1,700 signs have been installed throughout the city identifying streets subject to red flag parking bans.

Vehicles parked illegally in these areas will be towed to ensure emergency access remains clear, officials said.

Motorists can check affected streets and find additional information at LAFD's red flag parking restrictions website.

Santa Monica Mountains Parks Closed

Parks within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area will also be closed Thursday through Saturday because of the wildfire threat.

The closures cover parklands managed by California State Parks, the National Park Service, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.

The closures are intended to reduce risks to visitors and emergency personnel during the dangerous weather conditions.

Power Shutoffs Threaten 90,000 LA County Customers

The wind event could also leave tens of thousands of Los Angeles County residents without electricity.

Southern California Edison said approximately 90,000 LA County customers are under consideration for Public Safety Power Shutoffs.

Large swaths of Malibu, the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, the Crescenta Valley and Altadena are among the areas facing potential shutoffs as powerful Santa Ana winds move into Southern California.

In many cases, customers were being warned to expect possible shutoffs beginning Thursday morning.

The precautionary outages are intended to prevent electrical equipment from sparking wildfires during strong winds.

County officials warned that power outages could disrupt traffic signals, communications and electrically powered medical equipment.

Unlike Southern California Edison, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power does not currently conduct preemptive Public Safety Power Shutoffs during dangerous wind events.

LADWP's coverage area includes the city of Los Angeles and some nearby areas.

First Responders Get Ready

Fire departments across the region have increased staffing and positioned additional firefighting personnel, engines and aircraft ahead of the strongest winds.

"With strong winds capable of driving rapid wildfire growth, we urge residents to prepare immediately," Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said. "Review the Ready! Set! Go! program, identify your evacuation zone, and be prepared to evacuate without delay."

Los Angeles County activated its Emergency Operations Center and Joint Information Center Thursday morning to coordinate preparations and emergency response.

Residents in the city of Los Angeles are encouraged to monitor changing conditions and sign up for emergency notifications at NotifyLA or LAFD Alerts. Residents in other cities can find out about emergency alerts at their city's website.

City News Service contributed to this report.