Get Ready for 85 mph Wind Gusts Beginning Tonight

Powerful offshore winds gusting at strengths of up to 85 miles per hour will buffet the Southland for two days starting tonight, raising fears of property damage and wildfires.

The "very strong offshore wind event" will occur in mountain, forest, valley and coastal areas as two systems align -- a cold low-pressure system now moving down the Nevada-California state line and strong surface-high pressure building in the Great Basin, the National Weather Service (NWS) advisory said in an advisory this morning.

"Residents in the warning area are advised to take precautions now before the winds reach their peak. Close all windows and secure all outdoor objects such as lawn furniture," it said, announcing that a high wind warning denoting an expectation of sustained winds of 45-60 mph will be in effect from tonight until 3 p.m. Friday.

"These very strong winds winds will be capable of downing trees and power lines, knocking down outdoor objects, creating flying debris and causing dangerous driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles," it said.

Also confronting the region is the threat of wildfire as a result of the winds and relatively low humidity. The NWS issued a red flag warning that will be in force from 9 tonight until 6 p.m. Friday.

Highs today will be in the 70s and 80s.

-- City News Service