Santa Ana winds may reach up to 70 mph in parts of LA County, increase fire risk
Weather forecasts predict extremely windy conditions in Los Angeles County from Sunday night through Tuesday. (Lauren Man/Assistant Photo editor)
By Elizabeth Sherwood
Oct. 25, 2020 11:01 p.m.
Extreme wind and dry conditions may increase the risk of wildfires and power outages in Los Angeles County early this week, according to the National Weather Service.
The NWS issued a red flag warning for LA County Sunday, which said some areas in LA County and Ventura County will experience Santa Ana winds between 30 to 45 mph. Wind gusts may reach 70 mph in the Santa Monica Mountains, according to the NWS warning.
Wildfires may spread quickly to surrounding areas due to high winds, dry air and dry brush, the warning said. The risk will be highest in the LA County mountains on Monday afternoon, according to the warning.
“The moderate to strong Santa Ana winds coupled with very low humidities and very dry fuels will likely bring the most dangerous fire weather conditions we have seen since October 2019 to Los Angeles and Ventura counties,” the NWS warning said.
The winds may blow down power lines, the warning added.
The winds can also cause waves of around 5 feet in LA County harbors, according to the NWS.
