Hey Southern California, it’s time to batten down the hatches! A Wind Advisory is in effect for Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties until 2 AM Wednesday, and these winds are no joke. Expect gusts up to 50 mph, and they’re going to make things a bit wild out there. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
What’s Going On?
The winds have already started picking up, and it’s only going to get windier. We’re talking sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching 50 mph in some spots. That’s strong enough to cause problems, especially if you’re out on the road or have anything outside that might get blown away. You’re going to want to stay alert as these winds can cause some real disruptions—everything from power outages to flying debris.
Why Should You Be Concerned?
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Strong Winds: Those gusts up to 50 mph are going to make driving feel like a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re in a high-profile vehicle like an SUV, truck, or van. And don’t forget, the winds are going to be stronger on bridges and open roads, so be extra careful. Also, outdoor furniture, trash cans, and even tree branches could get picked up and tossed into the streets. If you’re walking around, watch out for anything that could come flying your way.
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Low Visibility: The gusts will kick up dust, dirt, and debris, so visibility on the roads could get pretty bad. If you have to drive, turn your headlights on and slow down. If the roads start looking messy or foggy, keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. The last thing you want is to be surprised by debris or poor visibility.
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Power Outages: With winds this strong, there’s a good chance that trees or branches could take out power lines. If that happens, it’s good to be prepared. Charge your phone, grab a flashlight, and maybe keep some extra snacks and water around just in case the power goes out for a while. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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Flying Debris: Keep an eye on anything outside that could get tossed around by the wind. Trash cans, lawn chairs, and even small branches could get swept into the air and cause accidents or block roads. Make sure everything in your yard is secure or brought inside before it becomes a danger.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe:
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Stay Off the Roads if You Can: If you don’t need to be out there, it’s best to stay off the roads. But if you do have to drive, just be extra cautious. Be aware of strong gusts, debris on the road, and make sure to leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles. High-profile vehicles, especially, can be harder to control in windy conditions.
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Secure Your Outdoors: Go ahead and tie down or bring in anything that could be picked up by the wind. Trash cans, garden furniture, even loose branches—anything that’s outside could turn into a hazard if the winds get strong enough.
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Be Ready for Power Outages: We’ve all experienced it—losing power in a storm can be a pain. So, make sure your phone is charged, keep a flashlight handy, and have a backup plan in case the lights go out. If you have any essential medical devices or items that rely on power, be sure they’re fully charged too.
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Keep Checking the Weather: Winds can pick up or calm down quickly, so check the forecast throughout the day. The advisory is set to last until 2 AM Wednesday, but it’s a good idea to stay in the loop about any changes in the weather.
Why Is This Happening?
These strong winds are coming from a low-pressure system moving through the region, combined with high-pressure systems in the inland areas. The difference in pressure between these systems creates gusty winds that are pretty typical for Southern California, but still serious enough to cause issues. The winds will likely taper off after the advisory expires, but it’s still going to be a rocky night ahead.
So, Southern California, get ready for a windy night. If you’re in Los Angeles, Ventura, or Santa Barbara, take the necessary steps to secure your outdoor items, check your power supplies, and drive safely. The winds are going to be strong until 2 AM Wednesday, so don’t let your guard down until they pass.
Stay inside if you can, and if you do have to go out, take it slow and be aware of your surroundings. This kind of weather can be unpredictable, but with a little preparation, you can get through it safely.
