Red Flag Warning Issued For LA County As Santa Ana Winds Loom

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — A red flag warning was issued for Los Angeles and Ventura County mountains Tuesday through Wednesday night, the National Weather Service reports.

Santa Ana winds were starting to develop in mountains and deserts as of 1 p.m, and expected to spread over valleys and coast later this afternoon and tonight, according to the NWS. Wind gusts are expected to hit 40-60 mph with humidity at 5 to 15 percent, with the strongest winds expected to hit Tuesday night.

High temperatures knocked off power for thousands of people across the Southland Tuesday as fires continued to burn in the area. There were 2,800 Los Angeles Department of Water & Power customers without power, all from small, localized neighborhood outages, Jessica Johnson, a DWP public relations representative told City News Service Tuesday night.

"Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles," the NWS reports. "Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result."

Drivers are urged to use extra caution, especially people operating a high profile vehicle. Officials urge people to secure outdoor objects and stay ready.

"Peninsula residents are reminded to be on heightened alert and to be prepared for wildfire," city officials said in Rolling Hills Estates.

Here are several ways to stay alert:

• If you see something, say something. Report any sign of smoke or fire immediately to your local fire department by dialing 9-1-1. If you dial 9-1-1 from your cellphone, be sure to know your location.
• Have your Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Action Plan in place. It’s critical for residents to be familiar with the Ready! Set! Go! program that provides important pre-planning and evacuation information. To download the Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Action Plan and view informational how-to videos, visit fire.lacounty.gov/rsg
• Find more preparedness tips at ready.lacounty.gov/fire
• Sign up for Alert SouthBay emergency alerts by texting “RHEalerts” to 888-777.

Red Flag Warnings in effect for much of LA/Ventura counties through Wed evening. #SantaAna winds starting to develop in mountains and deserts as of 1 pm, expected to spread over valleys and coast later this afternoon and tonight. #LAWeather #cawx #Socal pic.twitter.com/rt2tqdvDvF
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) September 8, 2020

- City News Service and Patch Editor Nicole Charky contributed to this report.

See more:

• City Attorney Stops Short-Term Rentals At Venice Apt. Complex
• LA County Reports 439 New COVID-19 Cases, 7 Deaths
• New FOUND Hotels Santa Monica Opening Amid Pandemic