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Southern Los Angeles is bracing for a potentially catastrophic windstorm, as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a life-threatening, destructive, and widespread windstorm warning. The advisory, which begins at 4 a.m. Tuesday morning and extends through Wednesday evening, warns of hurricane-force gusts up to 100 mph in some areas and steady winds of 80 mph, particularly in the valleys. These conditions are expected to cause widespread power outages, falling trees, and an elevated risk of devastating wildfires.
"This is not an ordinary wind event," the NWS stated in its official release. "The potential for significant damage to property, infrastructure, and human life is very real. We urge all residents to take this warning seriously and prepare immediately."
Meteorologists are emphasizing the dual dangers posed by this storm: the direct impact of high winds and the heightened threat of wildfires. The region's ongoing dry conditions, combined with powerful gusts, create the perfect environment for fires to ignite and spread rapidly.
Cal Fire has pre-deployed additional resources, including aircraft and personnel, to high-risk zones. In a press briefing Monday evening, a Cal Fire spokesperson stated, "With winds of this magnitude, any spark could lead to a wildfire disaster. We're urging everyone to be extremely cautious."
Stay safe and prepared: Essential steps as Los Angeles faces rare windstorm
Authorities are urging residents to secure outdoor furniture, trim overhanging tree branches, and ensure they have an emergency supply kit ready. Those living in high-risk areas should be prepared for prolonged power outages and consider evacuation plans if fire danger escalates.
The city of Los Angeles has also announced temporary shelter openings for those in vulnerable housing situations. "We want to make sure everyone has a safe place to ride out this storm,"Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement.
The storm is likely to disrupt transportation, with significant delays anticipated at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) due to strong crosswinds. Additionally, the California Department of Transportation has warned of potential highway closures in mountainous regions.
The NWS advises residents to stay informed by monitoring official updates and emergency alerts via weather.gov and local news outlets. This is a rare and dangerous event. Preparedness and caution are essential to minimizing risks.