Power Shutoff In Malibu Possible As Santa Ana Winds Bring Elevated Fire Danger

MALIBU, CA — Santa Ana winds are expected to bring elevated wildfire danger to Malibu this week and officials are warning that power could be shut off as a preventative measure.

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Ventura and Los Angeles counties, including Malibu, from noon Wednesday, Nov. 8 through 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9.

Forecasters expect wind gusts of between 25-40 mph to hit the area those days, though gusts of up to 60 mph are also possible. Humidity is forecast to be between 8 to 20 percent.

"The most likely outcome is a moderate event with gusts of 30 to 50 mph common, but uncertainty remains in play," the NWS said.

Southern California Edison has notified Malibu officials that it may shut off residential and commercial power to the Serra, Cuthbert and Nicholas circuits during the Fire Weather Watch.