Gusty Santa Ana winds wreaked havoc across various parts of Los Angeles today, toppling trees and prompting warnings of dangerous driving conditions and potential power outages.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reported numerous power outages as the high winds swept through the city. Among the most affected neighborhoods were Los Feliz, with 820 customers experiencing outages, alongside El Sereno and Atwater Village.
A high wind warning remains in effect until 4 p.m. for several regions, including the Santa Clarita Valley, Malibu Coast, and the San Gabriel Mountains. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts winds of 25 to 40 mph, gusting up to 60 mph, particularly in hill and mountainous areas.
The NWS cautioned, “Winds this strong may down trees and power lines, causing property damage or power outages.” They also highlighted the potential for challenging driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles and those towing trailers.
Additionally, a less severe wind advisory is in place until 4 p.m. for Catalina Island and the San Gabriel Valley.
Overnight, the winds intensified dramatically, resulting in numerous reports of fallen trees, including incidents in the Lake Balboa area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Despite the Santa Ana wind event, forecasters noted unusually cold air accompanying the weather, resulting in below-average temperatures across the region. However, conditions are expected to warm up later in the weekend, with the possibility of showers on Friday and a slight chance of thunderstorms.
As residents contend with the aftermath of the winds, the community remains vigilant, especially in areas like Los Feliz, where the impact has been particularly felt.
