AccuWeather meteorologists are warning of a significant wind event approaching portions of California this week. Gwen Fieweger, a meteorologist at AccuWeather, explained that the strong winds expected are a result of a weather pattern forming in the region. An area of high pressure situated over the Great Basin, combined with a developing storm in northwestern Mexico, will create ideal conditions for powerful winds across Southern California on Tuesday.
These specific winds, commonly referred to as Santa Ana winds, are expected to impact residents in Southern California starting during the day on Tuesday and persisting through Wednesday evening. Fieweger stated that wind gusts could reach speeds of 50-70 mph in parts of Southern California, with localized gusts potentially reaching up to 80 mph. Communities such as Santa Clarita and Riverside are likely to experience these intense winds, with a Local StormMax™ of 100 mph anticipated in mountainous areas.
While Downtown Los Angeles may not face the brunt of the strongest winds, it is still predicted to be breezy, with gusts exceeding 30 mph on Tuesday night and Wednesday. The localized nature of the strongest winds means that their impact will be significant, potentially causing damage to structures and trees. Fieweger also highlighted the possibility of transportation disruptions, particularly on major highways, due to hazardous crosswinds. Furthermore, major airports in Southern California could encounter delays as a result of the impending wind event.
Fieweger emphasized the increased risk of fires due to the combination of gusty winds and reduced humidity levels in the region, with this elevated fire risk expected to persist through midweek. Wind conditions are anticipated to gradually diminish by Thursday as the storm system moves away from Southern California.
AccuWeather meteorologists caution that the storm system responsible for the Santa Ana winds is likely to evolve into a cross-country weather event as the week progresses. Brett Anderson, a Senior Meteorologist at AccuWeather, explained that as the storm tracks into the South Central states later in the week, it will interact with cold air masses in the Plains, leading to wintry weather conditions across the region.
The forecast includes predictions of snow and ice in parts of northern and central Texas, with the potential for wintry weather to extend into the Tennessee Valley and along the East Coast. For enhanced safety features and an ad-free experience, users can unlock advanced severe weather alerts by subscribing to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. These AccuWeather Alerts™ are curated by expert meteorologists who continuously monitor and assess dangerous weather conditions around the clock to ensure the safety of individuals and their families.
