Power Shutoff In Malibu Possible Due To High Winds

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

A wind advisory goes into effect for Malibu at 7 p.m. Thursday. Winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts of up to 40 mph are expected through 10 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

More intense winds are expected to begin Friday evening, when a high wind watch goes into effect 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 NWS.

And a fire weather watch will be in effect from Saturday morning until Sunday morning, with minimum relative humidity levels as low as 8 percent are 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 wide swaths of Malibu 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.