Southern California Braces for Strongest Winds in Over a Decade Amid Fire Risk**


**LOS ANGELES (AP)** — On January 7, 2025, the National Weather Service issued a warning that Southern California is set to experience the strongest winds in over ten years, with peak gusts reaching up to 80 mph (129 kph) expected to hit Los Angeles and Ventura counties starting Tuesday afternoon. The winds are forecasted to intensify during the early hours of Wednesday, and isolated gusts in the mountains could exceed 100 mph (160 kph).


The weather service has raised alarms about potential structural damage, fallen trees, and overturned vehicles, including big rigs, trailers, and motorhomes. Dangerous offshore gusts could also develop near Orange County and the Los Angeles coastline, raising safety concerns at local airports due to possible delays and turbulence. Southern California Edison is considering public safety power shutoffs for nearly 300,000 customers in anticipation of these conditions.


According to Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with UCLA and the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the dry and windy weather will exacerbate fire risks across regions that have not experienced significant rainfall in months. The winds will function as an "atmospheric blow-dryer," heightening the chances of wildfires due to dry vegetation that has proliferated following an unusually wet season.


"All of that extra abundant growth of grass and vegetation followed immediately by a wind event of this magnitude while it’s still so incredibly dry," Swain noted, signaling elevated fire risks. Since early May, Southern California has seen less than 0.1 inches (0.25 centimeters) of rain, contributing to moderate drought conditions across the region, as reported by the U.S. Drought Monitor. In contrast, northern California has received substantial rainfall recently.


The impending windstorm could create extreme fire conditions, particularly in areas affected by recent wildfires, including the Franklin Fire in Malibu, which caused extensive damage just the prior month. Last year alone, nearly 8,000 wildfires scorched over 1,560 square miles across California.



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Southern California Edison has cautioned that planned power shutoffs may be implemented for public safety if deemed necessary during the windstorm. Utility spokesperson Jeff Monford emphasized that while the grid is built to withstand strong winds, the risk comes from flying debris and falling trees potentially impacting power lines.


Residents are urged to prepare for the intense wind event as forecasters expect it to be one of the most significant in over a decade, reminiscent of an event in November 2011, which left over 400,000 customers in LA County without power. As the region braces for this weather phenomenon, local authorities are encouraging residents to stay informed and adhere to safety guidelines.