This photo was taken during the Franklin Fire and is courtesy of L.A. County Fire Department.
Red flag warnings of critical fire danger will take effect at 4 a.m. Tuesday and remain in place through 6 p.m. Thursday, for the Malibu coast, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and other south land areas. By 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the warning will extend to Los Angeles County beaches.
The forecast calls for a life-threatening, destructive, widespread windstorm. Residents are warned that there is a high risk for downed trees and power lines, as well as power outages. Residents that live in a very high fire severity zone are advised to review their “Ready, Set, Go!” fire evacuation plan.
According to the National Weather Service, Santa Ana winds could gust up to speeds of 60 to 80 miles per hour in the SM Mountains and Malibu – and some ridgetops could see 90 mph gusts.
Due to the elevated fire danger, Caltrans will close Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Mulholland Drive and Pacific Coast Highway from 10 a.m. Tuesday through 6 p.m. Friday. Only residents and local business traffic will be permitted into the canyon during the closure.
Southern California Edison is considering power safety shutoffs for some customers. According to SCE’s website, more than 70,000 customers in Los Angeles County and more than 9,400 in Orange County could have their power shutoff during the upcoming wind event.
With no recent precipitation and no predicted rain in the forecast, vegetation is extremely dry, and humidity levels are low.
With the Santa Ana winds returning on Tuesday, parents please monitor your children/teens and do not allow any fireworks.
If you have not signed up to receive emergency alerts from the City or County, consider doing so:
Resident can receive alerts from the City by signing up at the Emergency Management Department click here.
L.A. County also sends out mass notifications that allows individuals to receive emergency alerts by text, email and /or phone call click here.
Local primary radio stations for Los Angeles County include:
Local Primary 1: KFI (640 AM), KNX (1070 AM), and KBIG (104.3 FM)
Local Primary 2: KROQ (106.7 FM) and KCBS (93.1 FM)
Be wise, stay safe.
Prescient article. Thank you!
Textbook great reporting Sue.