Thousands of Southern California residents could lose power this weekend as Santa Ana winds bring gusty conditions, rising temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires across the region.
As of Friday morning, Southern California Edison was considering precautionary power shutoffs affecting 2,660 customers, including 2,363 in Los Angeles County and 297 in Ventura County, according to the utility's outage tracker. Santa Ana winds will also affect Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, with powerful wind gusts and dry, warm conditions.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday for the Santa Clarita Valley, western Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Susana Mountains and western San Gabriel Mountains, including the Highway 14 corridor.
Northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected, with gusts up to 45 mph and isolated gusts reaching 55 mph, according to the NWS. Humidity could fall as low as 8%, creating conditions favorable for rapidly spreading wildfires.
"Fuels remain critically dry despite some minor greenup from recent rains," forecasters said in a fire weather advisory Friday. "There is a high risk for fast-moving fires where the plants are driest and the winds are strongest, which this targeted red flag warning addresses."
The National Weather Service warned that any new wildfire could spread quickly and threaten lives and property.
Santa Ana winds affecting Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, could bring with gusts generally reaching 25 to 35 mph and locally 40 mph in wind-prone mountain passes, canyons and coastal mountain slopes. Winds are expected to weaken Sunday.
Temperatures in Los Angeles County are expected to reach the upper 70s and 80s in coastal and valley areas Saturday, with many locations running 5 to 10 degrees above normal Saturday and Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Elsewhere in Southern California, temperatures will climb through the weekend, reaching the 80s and around 90 degrees in some inland areas. Sunday is expected to be the hottest day for many Orange County, Inland Empire and San Diego County communities, with temperatures running 5 to 15 degrees above normal in coastal areas and valleys, and near to around 5 degrees above normal elsewhere.
In Los Angeles County, authorities will restrict traffic on Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Mulholland Highway and Pacific Coast Highway from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday because of the fire danger. Only residents will be permitted through checkpoints staffed by sheriff's deputies.
Caltrans advised motorists to use the 10, 101 or 405 freeways as alternate routes.
Warmer, drier weather is expected through Sunday before Santa Ana winds weaken and temperatures gradually cool early next week. Temperatures are expected to remain above normal through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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