Parts of Southern California are bracing for storm-force winds this week, as a High Wind Warning remains in place across desert and mountain regions. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a wind advisory effective from 5 a.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Wednesday, warning of gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour in some areas.
A Windy Start to the Week
The Eastern Sierra Slopes of Inyo County and Owens Valley are under particular threat as colder air moves in following a stretch of above-average temperatures. According to the NWS, the most intense wind activity is expected through late Monday night, especially along Highway 395 in Owens Valley.
“Southwest winds 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. The most likely window for gusty downslope winds to impact Highway 395 in the northern half of the Owens Valley (north of Lone Pine) is until 11:00 p.m. this evening. South of Lone Pine, CA, the window for downslope winds will be through 5:00 a.m. PDT Monday morning,” the NWS stated.
Areas Affected
The High Wind Warning applies to the desert and mountainous regions of San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Winds in these regions are expected to reach “storm force,” which corresponds to the upper levels of the Beaufort Wind Scale, typically reserved for severe weather conditions at sea.
Light rain may also accompany the strong winds on Monday night into Tuesday morning, particularly in isolated parts of Southern California.
What You Should Know About These Winds
- Wind Speeds: Sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph, with gusts reaching up to 70 mph
- Wind Type: These speeds are categorized as “strong gale” to “storm force”
- Warning Duration: Until 5 a.m. Wednesday
- Worst-hit Areas: Owens Valley, Eastern Sierra Slopes, San Bernardino Mountains, and nearby desert zones
How to Stay Safe During the High Winds
Authorities are urging residents to take safety precautions, especially those living in vulnerable areas. Here are key safety tips recommended by the NWS:
- Secure loose outdoor items such as trash bins, patio furniture, and decorations.
- Avoid travel through mountain passes and desert highways unless necessary.
- Trim tree branches near homes and power lines to reduce damage risk.
- Prepare indoor shelter, such as a basement or an interior bathroom.
- Mobile home residents should identify a sturdy nearby building to use as a backup shelter.
- In vehicles, stay inside unless near a safe building. Do not park under trees or power lines.
Important: If you encounter downed power lines, stay far away and report them to your utility provider or local emergency services immediately.
Why Are High Winds Common in California’s Deserts?
High desert winds form when intense surface heating creates low-pressure zones, prompting fast-moving air to rush in from surrounding high-pressure areas. The open landscape and lack of moisture or vegetation in deserts allow wind to move unobstructed, often reaching dangerous speeds.
This effect is intensified when cooler air masses follow periods of heat, as is the case this week. Such pressure and temperature contrasts create the perfect conditions for downslope winds, especially near mountain ranges.
Weather Resources and Alerts
Residents are advised to stay updated via trusted weather and emergency services:
- National Weather Service
- Cal OES – California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) Traffic Alerts
Real-time alerts can also be received via NOAA Weather Radios, mobile apps, or local news stations.
Conclusion
With gusts approaching 70 mph, Southern California’s mountain and desert regions face a serious wind threat through Wednesday morning. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and advise all residents to remain vigilant, especially during overnight hours when winds are expected to peak.
Stay informed, take precautions, and avoid unnecessary risks. Even a short delay in securing property or shelter can lead to injury or damage when storm-force winds strike.
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