A rare variation of a high-wind warning has been issued for the northern San Fernando Valley and eastern Ventura County that could have ripple effects on the massive wildfires burning in Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
A “Particularly Dangerous Situation” that could cause fires to spread rapidly is possible starting around 4 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, and lasting until about noon on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.
“It’s a heightened state of alert,” James Brotherton, a meteorologist for the weather service said on Monday, Jan. 13. “That’s basically very dry conditions in the air and very dry conditions on the ground combined with very strong winds. All three of those critical ingredients are at extreme levels.”
The winds, blowing from the northeast, are expected to be particularly strong in the western San Gabriel Mountains/5 Freeway corridor; the northern San Fernando Valley, mainly the 118 and 210 freeway corridors; the mountains in the Santa Susana Pass and Ventura County; and in the Ventura County valleys, mainly near Simi Valley, Moorpark and Santa Paula.
Wind gusts of 55 mph to 70 mph are possible. Such winds could spread embers well ahead of any fire.
The weather service previously issued similar warnings three times in the past three months, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a social media post.
The first preceded the Mountain fire in Ventura County that destroyed 243 structures. The second was made in advance of the Franklin fire in Malibu that destroyed 20 structures. The third preceded the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have destroyed more than 10,000 structures, Newsom said.
The winds are not expected to be as fierce in the Palisades and Eaton fire areas, Brotherton said. Gusts there could reach 35 mph.
Residents near wildland areas should be prepared to evacuate if a fire ignites. Information on creating an evacuation plan is available at readyforwildfire.org. Drivers should watch out for debris and smoke.
