Santa Ana Winds up to 60 MPH, Low Humidity, and Potential Power Outages Expected
A Red Flag Warning has been issued for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including Malibu, as dangerous fire weather conditions and potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are expected Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.
The National Weather Service said the warning will take effect from 3 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 17) through 6 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 18). Strong Santa Ana winds are forecasted to develop Tuesday afternoon, peaking overnight into Wednesday morning, with gusts ranging from 40 to 60 mph, particularly in mountain areas. Humidity levels are expected to drop to 10-20%, creating critical fire weather conditions.
For up-to-date weather information, residents can visit the National Weather Service at weather.gov/lox.
Southern California Edison (SCE) has issued a PSPS monitoring notice for Malibu circuits, including Cuthbert, Maguire, Merlin, and Serra, due to the forecasted high winds. Power shutoffs may be implemented to reduce wildfire risks, with restoration potentially taking 8 or more hours after winds subside.
Residents are urged to prepare for possible outages, as cell service may be disrupted. Authorities recommend using battery-powered radios or car radios to access emergency updates on local AM/FM stations, including 99.1 FM KBUU.
City of Malibu’s Trancas and Charmlee Parks will be closed Tuesday, 12/17 to Wednesday, 12/18 for safety due to Red Flag Warning, and dangerous fire conditions. Other City parks will be open. For park info visit MalibuCity.org/Parks.
Topanga Cyn will be fully closed in both directions from Mulholland Dr & Pacific Coast Highway from 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, 12/17 to 6:00 p.m. Wed, 12/18 due to Red Flag Warning and high fire danger due to wind. Only residents and local business traffic will be allowed through.
PSPS Resources and Updates:
- Visit sce.com/psps for real-time updates.
- Malibu circuit boundary maps are available at malibucity.org.
- For questions, call the City of Malibu at 310-456-2489 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Check the City’s fire updates at malibucity.org/franklinfire.
SMMUSD Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton has sent a letter to update the community on the status of the Malibu schools, it said, “We understand the elevated concerns this warning brings with the Franklin fire at 60-plus percent containment and still a threat to the community…At this time, all Malibu schools will remain open as scheduled. This includes Webster students and staff sharing the Malibu Elementary campus this week. If the power is off at a school prior to school starting, that school only will be closed for the day. If the power goes off during the school day, the school will continue, however, you may hear from your principal that the school may change to a minimum day. As previously announced, our Malibu schools understand if students are not in school this week. An excused absence will be marked. Please contact your school and let them know.”
The Franklin Fire remains at 4,037 acres burned and is 63% contained, according to officials.
Damage Assessment:
- 20 structures were destroyed (9 single-family homes and 11 outbuildings).
- 28 structures were damaged (14 single-family homes, 2 multi-family dwellings, 7 commercial buildings, and 5 outbuildings).
Fire preparedness resources, including the Ready! Set! Go! guide can be downloaded at fire.lacounty.gov/rsg/.
