Fire Danger Peaks As 45 MPH Wind Gusts Slam RivCo

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Santa Ana winds continued to lash the Inland Empire on Friday, and the gusts could be peaking in Riverside County as a high wind warning remains in effect through Saturday, forecasters said.

A high wind warning is in effect across the Riverside and San Bernardino County valleys as Santa Ana winds bring gusts of up to 45 mph, prompting warnings about falling trees, power outages and hazardous driving conditions, according to the National Weather Service.

Gov. Gavin Newsom this week said he activated the State Operations Center for emergency responses, with fire personnel prepositioned around the region.

The National Weather Service in San Diego said easterly winds of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching 35 to 45 mph, are expected, with the strongest winds below the San Gorgonio Pass.

RELATED: Here's How Much Snow And Rain CA Can Expect This Winter, Old Farmer's Almanac Predictions Say

Damaging winds could topple trees and power lines, potentially causing power outages. Travel also could become difficult for high-profile vehicles, including vans, pickups and large trucks.

Chandler Price, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in San Diego, said Friday's winds were expected to be the strongest of the event, with conditions gradually easing into Saturday, although gusty winds would persist.

"These are Santa Ana winds, offshore, gusty, warm, and dry winds, and their season is typically October through December," Price told Patch.

Mountain Foothills And Passes Face Strongest Winds

While the San Gorgonio Pass is expected to experience particularly strong winds, other areas of Riverside County also could see hazardous gusts, depending on wind direction.

RELATED: Newsom Declares State Of Emergency As Monster El Niño Menaces CA

Price said mountain foothills and passes are especially vulnerable, with the Riverside mountain foothills among the areas likely to experience the strongest gusts during easterly wind events.

When winds shift more toward the northeast, the Cajon Pass and other mountain foothills can experience particularly strong gusts. Mountain passes and canyons, including the Banning and San Gorgonio passes, are especially prone to accelerated winds.

The National Weather Service warned that conditions could pose additional risks for drivers traveling through these areas, particularly those operating larger vehicles.

Santa Ana Winds Not Directly Linked To El Niño

Price said the current wind event should not be attributed to El Niño, the climate pattern associated with warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

Santa Ana winds are a recurring feature of Southern California weather during the fall and early winter, regardless of whether El Niño, La Niña or neutral conditions prevail in the Pacific, he said.

RELATED: Rare Sea Snakes, Tropical Fish Could Turn Up Along LA County Coast During El Niño

El Niño can influence regional weather patterns by increasing the likelihood of wetter-than-average conditions in Southern California. When storms move into the region from the northwest, they can bring gusty west or northwest winds.

Those onshore wind events differ from Santa Ana winds, which blow offshore from the east or northeast, he said.

El Niño does not guarantee specific weather outcomes, and its influence on storm activity does not establish a direct connection to the current Santa Ana wind event, he added.

Residents Urged To Secure Objects And Avoid Fire Hazards

The National Weather Service urged residents to secure loose outdoor items, including trash cans, umbrellas and patio furniture, that could be blown around or damaged by strong winds.

Drivers should reduce their speed and use extra caution, especially when operating high-profile vehicles.

Price recommended avoiding particularly windy mountain passes when possible, especially for those driving moving vans or larger trucks.

RELATED: El Niño 'Supersized Before Our Eyes': What This Means For Winter In CA

The National Weather Service said residents should take precautions to prevent fires, as Santa Ana winds can cause flames to spread rapidly under dry conditions.

Price advised against outdoor barbecues and using equipment that could produce sparks, including lawn mowers and other lawn-care tools. Drivers also should check that vehicle chains are not dragging on pavement and creating sparks.

The high wind warning is scheduled to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday with winds expected to gradually weaken after Friday's peak.