Gusts Rip Through RivCo: See Top Wind Speeds

BANNING, CA — In what was forecast to be Southern California's strongest windstorm of the year, critical wildfire risk returned to the region on Wednesday, where gusts of up to 80 and over 100 mph were recorded in isolated areas.

National Weather Service stations from Ventura to Riverside and San Diego counties warned that dry winds could spur power outages, wildfires and blow unsecured objects around.

“If fire ignition occurs there could be rapid spread of wildfire that would lead to a threat to life and property,” NWS officials urged.

Beginning Wednesday morning, Semi-trucks toppled, palm fronds littered roadways and a fire at a pallet yard in Fontana was ignited. Another round of powerful gusts snapped a power pole at its base in Sylmar. The incident prompted the evacuation of a strip mall in anticipation of a fire.

Peak gusts ranged from 60 to 75 mph throughout most areas.

A dangerous combination of low humidity, dry vegetation and some of the fastest wind speeds recorded this year created the most critical fire weather observed in months.

"The upcoming #SantaAnaWinds are not to be dismissed, despite the recent rainfall. There will be significant #FireWx issues thru Thursday…then possibly again this weekend," said NWS fire weather meteorologist on Twitter.

"This time of year, my mantra 'wind trumps everything' still holds true," he said.

The high wind watch was in effect from 7 p.m. Tuesday until 7 p.m. Wednesday for the mountains and valleys.

Another round of Santa Anas is anticipated in Riverside County Friday and Saturday, though that wind event is expected to be weaker than Wednesday's.

"People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches," the National Weather Service said. "If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows."

In Los Angeles County, the highest isolated gust was clocked by a wind sensor on Magic Mountain Truck Trail — 102 mph. The area is 24 miles north of Los Angeles at an elevation of 4,500 feet.

Meanwhile, in Riverside County, Cabazon saw gusts of up to 62 mph.

More top wind speeds in Riverside County:

• Beaumont - 58 mph
• Banning - 51 mph
• Millard Pass 50 mph
• Morongo Valley - 46 mph
• Desert Hot Springs - 42 mph
• San Gorgonio Pass - 37 mph

Here are the top 10 isolated windspeed felt across Southern California on Wednesday

1. Magic Mountain Truck Trail - 102 mph

2. Marshall Peak - 96 mph

3. Arrowhead Springs - 87 mph

4. Sill Hill (SDGE) - 83 mph

5. Browns Canyon - 82 mph

6. Happy Camp Road - 76 mph

7. Palo Sola Truck Road - 71 mph

8. Warm Spring RAWS - 70 mph

9. Camp Nine RAWS - 69 mph

10. Saddletree Ranch - 68 mph

AccuWeather meteorologists said Tuesday that the massive wind event will bring "quite a few risks."

"These howling and often dangerous winds occur due to high pressure sitting over the Great Basin. Winds rotate clockwise around the high pressure, which sends these northeasterly winds down through the mountains and canyons, picking up speed as they traverse downhill toward the coast," forecasters wrote.

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr said recent rainfall — about 1.77 inches — in Southern California will likely lower some risk of fire danger. But Zehr warned that locally drier areas still exist, which will raise fire danger.

Peak fire risk was expected later Wednesday afternoon, when humidity levels are at their lowest and after winds have had time to dry out the ground."The flow out of the mountains will cause the air to dry out, leading to relative humidity values in the teens for a time, mostly on Wednesday," Zehr said.

Cal Fire and the National Weather Service offered tips to stay safe this week:

• Never mow or trim dry grass on a Red Flag Warning Day. (Mow before 10 a.m. on a day when its not hot and windy).
• Never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation.
• Spark arresters are required in wildland areas on all portable gasoline powered equipment.
• Secure loose objects.
• Plan now for power outages.
• Folks near wildland interfaces, review your evacuation plans in case a fire breaks out.

• Before starting a campfire, make sure you have a campfire permit and that they are permitted on the land you are visiting.

Read more tips here: Santa Ana Winds To Bring 'Critical' Fire Danger To SoCal