Hurricane-Force Santa Ana Winds Threaten Southern California
Extreme winds generated by Santa Ana gusts will impact Southern California mountains and foothills in the aftermath of devastating fires. The National Weather Service has issued a rare "particularly dangerous" red flag warning, with wind speeds reaching 80 mph along the coast and valleys, and 100 mph in the mountains and foothills through Tuesday.
Cities such as Oxnard, Ventura, Malibu, and San Fernando are at heightened risk. The weather service cautions that rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior are possible in the event of ignition. Residents near wildfire interfaces are urged to prepare for potential evacuations.
Due to the fire danger, the Federal Emergency Management Agency closed its Pasadena disaster recovery center on Monday. Over 27 people have perished, and 14,000+ structures have been destroyed as 40,000 acres were consumed by the ongoing Eaton and Palisades Fires.
The severe wind threat is expected to persist throughout the week, with dry conditions exacerbating the risk. A red flag warning will remain in effect until Thursday, according to Los Angeles County authorities.
Nearly 3.3 million face extreme fire conditions, particularly in Glendale, California. A wider area, including San Bernardino, Anaheim, and others with a combined population of 11 million, is under critical threat, according to the US Storm Prediction Center.
Southern California Edison is evaluating the possibility of power outages for nearly 260,000 customers due to the high winds. Downed power lines can ignite fires. PG&E Corp., the state's largest utility, filed for bankruptcy in 2019 after deadly blazes linked to its wires.
President Trump has directed the Departments of Commerce and Interior to divert water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to Southern California, despite concerns about environmental impacts and the protection of the endangered delta smelt.