LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Strong winds will blow across the Southland today, generating furious wind gusts amid a continuing heat wave, threatening hazardous driving and boating conditions.
With wind gusts of as much as 75 miles per hour expected, The National Weather Service also warned of downed tree and branches, possible power outages and delays at LAX.
The strongest winds will sweep the Interstate 5 corridor in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys and along the coast, according to the NWS.
A high wind warning will be in effect until 9 this morning in the San Gabriel Mountains, with winds of 25 to 40 miles per hour expected, along with gusts of 75 miles per hour.
In the Santa Clarita Valley, a less serious wind advisory is in force until 1 p.m. Also in effect -- from 11 a.m. today through 6 p.m. Saturday -- will be a heat advisory amid highs in the low 90s. North winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected in the Santa Clarita Valley with gusts of up to 50 mph.
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages. Power outages may result. Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur.”
The same warnings will be in effect at the same time in the San Gabriel Valley and the L.A. County Coast, comprising beach cities, metropolitan Los Angeles, Downtown L.A. and the Hollywood hills.
The weather service urged residents to “drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”
Also, “take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.”
Under a wind advisory until 1 p.m. today and a heat advisory until 6 p.m. Saturday are the San Fernando Valley and the Santa Monica Mountains, with winds of 20-30 mph with 50-mph gusts.
Offshore, amid hazardous sea conditions, a small craft advisory warning inexperienced sailors in small vessels to stay in port will be in effect until 3 a.m. Wednesday.
The NWS forecast sunny skies in L.A. County today and highs of 78 on Mount Wilson; 81 in Avalon; 87 in Palmdale and Lancaster; 89 at LAX; 90 in Saugus; 92 in Long Beach; 96 in Pasadena, San Gabriel, Burbank and Woodland Hills; and 97 in Downtown L.A. Temperatures will start coming down Saturday.
Sunny skies were also forecast in Orange County, along with highs of 73 on Santiago Peak; 81 in San Clemente; 82 in Newport Beach; 83 in Laguna Beach; 87 on Ortega Highway at 2,600 feet; 92 at Fremont Canyon; 95 at Trabuco Canyon; 96 in Fullerton and Mission Viejo; 97 in Yorba Linda; and 98 in Anaheim and Irvine. A cooling trend will get underway Saturday.
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