Power Shutoff In Calabasas Possible Due To High Winds

CALABASAS, CA — Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are expected in Calabasas this week as Southern California Edison is warning residents that power shutoffs may come as a result in order to curb wildfire risk.

A high wind watch for Calabasas and the Santa Monica Mountains goes into effect Friday evening along with forecasted winds of 25-35 mph and gusts of up to 60 mph. The high wind watch ends Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Towards the coast, winds are expected to pick up around 7 p.m. Thursday, when a wind advisory goes into effect for Malibu. Winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts of up to 40 mph are expected through 10 a.m. Friday, according to the NWS.

And a fire weather watch will be in effect for the area from Saturday morning until Sunday morning, with minimum relative humidity levels as low as 8 percent expected.

"If fire ignition occurs, conditions may be favorable for extreme fire behavior which would threaten life and property," the NWS said.

SoCal Edison says it may need to shut off power to southern Calabasas and the Santa Monica Mountains any time between Saturday at noon and 3 p.m. Sunday in order to curb the danger of its equipment sparking wind-fueled wildfires.

Additionally, the NWS says that the winds themselves could cause downed power lines and topple trees, while high-profile vehicles may be difficult to drive.