Strong winds to hit Southern California, Las Vegas Weather alerts 70% gusts
Las Vegas weather is not the issue here; Southern California is facing the stronger weekend hazard, with the National Weather Service forecasting gusty winds, dangerous seas and elevated fire weather conditions. The strongest gusts are expected Friday night and Saturday along the Interstate 5 corridor, the northwestern Antelope Valley and the Santa Ynez Mountains.
The weather service put the odds of 40 to 55 mph gusts at 70% in those areas, with a 20% chance of 60 mph or higher. Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, said the winds could create “elevated fire weather conditions.”
Interstate 5 corridor winds
Wofford said soils and vegetation have begun to dry out as the region moves through the tail end of its rainy season. He said there was likely a month or two left before fuels become critically dry enough to spread large fires, which leaves the weekend wind event in a narrower but still serious window for fire growth.
Gusts on the Central Coast were forecast at 30 to 40 mph on Saturday and Sunday, while temperatures were expected to average 5 degrees below normal. That mix leaves inland passes, mountain slopes and exposed coastal stretches dealing with wind and cooler air at the same time.
Coastal warnings from Friday
Gale warnings were in effect for outer waters, the inner waters along the Central Coast and the Santa Barbara Channel, with winds expected to reach gale force Friday afternoon and continue through Sunday. Local storm force gusts were possible late Saturday afternoon and evening for the outer waters from the Central Coast to San Nicolas Island, a stretch the weather service said could capsize or damage both small and large vessels.
High surf advisories run from 3 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Monday for beaches in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The weather service said large breaking waves could reach 5 to 15 feet there, and warned of dangerous rip currents that could pull swimmers out to sea.
Malibu coast surf
Hazardous rip currents and elevated surf were also expected at Los Angeles County beaches and along the Malibu coast, with minor beach erosion and isolated minor coastal flooding most likely during evening high tides on Saturday and Sunday. For beachgoers, boat operators and anyone driving the inland wind corridor, the weekend forecast points to the same practical choice: avoid the exposed water, and expect the worst conditions Friday night into Saturday.
