Strong winds blew across portions of the Southland early today, and motorists were warned to beware of crosswinds. National Weather service forecasters blamed the winds on weak frontal systems passing to the north of the region.
A wind advisory signaling winds or gusts of at least 35 miles per hour
was scheduled until 3 a.m. Thursday in the Antelope Valley — the scene of wind
speeds of between 20 and 30 miles per hour and gusts of up to 50 mph.
Similar conditions prevailed in the Los Angeles County portion of the
San Gabriel Mountains, where the advisory will expire at 6 p.m. Thursday, and
in the Santa Clarita Valley, where a wind advisory scheduled to expire at 9
this morning was extended until 3 p.m. Friday.
The Los Angeles core will not escape the strong winds. The NWS this
morning issued a wind advisory that will be in force from 3 this afternoon
until 9 Thursday morning in beach cities, metropolitan L.A., Downtown Los
Angeles and the Hollywood Hills. Winds of between 15 and 25 mph are expected in Los Angeles, along with 35-mph gusts.
A wind advisory will also be in force from 3 p.m. today until 9 a.m.
Thursday in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and the San Fernando Valley, with both areas forecast to experience winds of between 15 and 30 mph, with gusts of between 35 and 45 mph. The wind will be widespread in the San Fernando Valley and strongest in the eastern portion of the Santa Monicas, the NWS said, The National Weather Service warned that this morning’s strong winds would make driving difficult on some highways, including Interstate 5, the San Diego (405), Santa Monica (10), Antelope Valley (14), and Ronald Reagan (18) freeways, and canyon roads in the Malibu area, especially for motorists in high-profile vehicles.
Along the L.A. County coast, a beach hazards statement will be in
effect through Friday evening. Forecasters said surf of 3 to 6 feet would pound
the coast, with occasional sets of 8 feet possible.
“There is an increased risk of ocean drowning,” warned an NWS
statement. “Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can
wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore.”
The NWS forecast partly cloudy skies today and highs of 69 on Mount
Wilson; 73 in Avalon and at LAX; 78 in Lancaster; 79 in Palmdale; 80 in Long
Beach and Downtown L.A.; 82 in Burbank and San Gabriel; 83 in Saugus; 84 in
Pasadena; and 88 in Woodland Hills.
Sunny skies were forecast in Orange County, along with highs of 66 in
Newport Beach; 68 in San Clemente; 69 in Laguna Beach; 76 in Mission Viejo; 77 in Anaheim and Irvine; 80 in Fullerton; and 82 in Yorba Linda.
Southland temperatures will be in the 70s and 80s over the next several
days — mostly under sunny skies, except Thursday, when the region is forecast
to be partly cloudy.
