Santa Ana Winds Topple Trees And A Big Rig Across LA Region

LOS ANGELES, CA — Strong Santa Ana winds battered parts of the Southland Tuesday, making driving hazardous for big rigs and knocking down trees and branches.

Mountain areas were bearing the brunt of the wind event, with gusts topping 50 mph reported in some areas. Porter Ranch and the San Gabriel Valley had winds in topping 45 mph, while even San Pedro had gusts in the upper-30s.

A high wind warning was in effect until 10 p.m. in the Los Angeles County Mountains and the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area. A less serious wind advisory was in place until 10 p.m. in the San Fernando Valley and Santa Clarita Valley. A wind advisory was allowed to expire at 3 p.m. along the coast, in metropolitan and downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills.

"Damaging winds will blow down large objects such as trees and power lines. Power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles," the National Weather Service warned.

"Highway 14 and Interstate 5 will be affected by the gusty winds, as well as canyon roads through the Santa Monica Mountains including Malibu and Dexter canyons. Kanan Road will also be affected," according to the NWS.

The weather service urged residents to avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches as strong winds whip across mountain areas.

"If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive," urged an NWS statement.

At least one big rig toppled over in the northern part of the county Tuesday morning, and dozens of trucks were seen parked alongside the 15 Freeway in San Bernardino County, with drivers trying to wait out the dangerous conditions before heading into the Cajon Pass.

Forecasters said the winds will die down by later Tuesday night.

"Wind speeds will continue to subside through the day and evening but some locally gusty winds will continue into Wednesday morning, again strongest in the foothills and mountains," according to the NWS.

Lighter winds are possible in parts of Los Angeles County Wednesday and Thursday nights, but they likely won't be strong enough to trigger any advisories or warnings, forecasters said.

"Daytime temps will rebound back to normal by Thursday and even slightly above normal Friday," according to the NWS.

Once we get beyond the windy conditions, we could be in for some rain by Sunday night.

City News Service