Los Angeles County is included in a high wind warning issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 6:09 p.m. The warning is valid from Tuesday noon until Thursday Dec. 25, at 3 p.m.
The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA states to anticipate, “South to southeast winds 25 to 40 mph with damaging gusts up to 60 mph likely.”
“Damaging winds are likely with this powerful Atmospheric River storm, with widespread downed trees and powerlines likely, as well as the potential for power outages and property damage. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. The combination of strong winds and moist soils will increase the risk for downed trees,” the NWS said. “Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive.”
The full list of affected locations includes:
- Catalina/Santa Barbara Islands
- Santa Clarita Valley
- Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area
- Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area
- San Miguel/Santa Rosa Islands
- Santa Cruz/Anacapa Islands
Emergency alerts in Southern California
For “considerable or catastrophic” hazards, emergency alerts will be sent to all enabled mobile phones in the area. To monitor lesser risk, residents are advised to sign up for county alert systems and to monitor agencies’ social media. How to sign up for alerts in your area:
Navigating high wind alerts: What each level means
When it comes to high wind alerts, understanding the levels of risk is crucial. The NWS classifies them into three distinct categories:
High wind warning: Take action!
Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.
Wind advisory: Take action!
Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning. Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.
High wind watch: Be prepared!
Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you’re not caught outside.
How to prepare before strong winds approach
- Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
- Secure loose gutters and shutters.
- Identify an interior room of your house, such as a basement or interior bathroom, that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings.
- If you live in a mobile home, identify a sturdy building you can go to if the NWS issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm warning.
- Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and booster packs, weather radios and power tools such as a reciprocating saw, which you might need to clear debris.
- Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home.
- Make a list of items outside your home you will need to tie down or put away so that they don’t blow away or fly through a window. When the NWS issues a high wind watch, immediately secure these items to avoid damage or injury once the wind starts picking up.
How to act during strong winds
Take shelter:
- Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.
- If you are in a mobile home, move to a sturdy building before the winds pick up or the storm system reaches your location.
If caught outside or driving:
- Take shelter in your car if you are not near a sturdy building. If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building. Otherwise, move your car to a location where it is less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines.
- If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road. Keep in mind that power lines that are laying on the ground may be live. Do not go near them! Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.
- If you are driving and aren’t near a sturdy building, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down.
- Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers. One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip one of these trailers onto its side.
What to do after strong winds subside
- Do not go near downed power lines. Report downed power lines to the police.
- Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page