Severe Windstorm Warning Issued for California: ‘Life-Threatening’ and ‘Destructive’ Conditions Expected

The National Weather Service has issued a warning for a “life-threatening” and “destructive” windstorm affecting Los Angeles and Ventura Counties in California this week.

In a post on X, previously known as Twitter, the National Weather Service Los Angeles stated, “HEADS UP!!! A LIFE-THREATENING, DESTRUCTIVE, Widespread Windstorm is anticipated [Tuesday] afternoon-[Wednesday] morning across much of Ventura/LA Co. Areas that are not usually windy will experience effects… Stay indoors, away from windows, and be prepared for power outages.”

Notable locations identified by the National Weather Service as areas of “extreme risk” and “of greatest concern” include Santa Monica, Simi Valley, San Fernando, Pasadena, and Burbank. Residents have been advised to “take immediate action.”

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The Los Angeles Department of Transportation released a weather advisory on Monday, indicating that a “severe windstorm” would impact Los Angeles from 10 a.m. Tuesday until some time Wednesday afternoon.

“Traveling may be challenging, especially for high-profile vehicles. Stay in the lower levels of your home and away from windows. Exercise caution if you must drive,” the department tweeted. “Report downed trees to 311 and downed power lines to 911. Register for emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org.”

The Los Angeles Fire Department also announced on Monday that a “Red Flag Alert” has been issued alongside “special Red Flag Parking Restrictions” set to commence at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.

“It is crucial that fire response units have sufficient space to act swiftly in case of a fast-moving brush fire, while also allowing residents to evacuate if needed,” stated the Los Angeles Fire Department. “For this reason, special parking restrictions may be enforced on certain narrow streets in brush areas only during ‘Red Flag Alert’ conditions.”

The National Weather Service Los Angeles indicated that potential impacts from the extensive windstorm could include prolonged power outages, fallen trees, a “dangerous fire weather situation,” hazardous sea conditions, airport delays, and overturned big rigs, trailers, and motorhomes. They also mentioned that wind gusts could reach between 50 and 80 miles per hour, with “isolated gusts” potentially hitting 80 to 100 miles per hour.

This week’s windstorm has been warned by the National Weather Service Los Angeles to possibly be the “strongest event” since the windstorm that struck Pasadena in 2011.

“Pasadena endured significant impacts then, and we are observing a similar weather pattern now,” the National Weather Service tweeted. “However, unlike in 2011, the effects could be felt widely, particularly in the areas highlighted in this morning’s post.”