Gusty Santa Ana winds blow in Southern California

The wind event will commence on Thursday as an area of high pressure begins to build into the Great Basin.

Gusty Santa Ana winds are expected to develop in the valleys around Riverside tonight but should ease up by the weekend.

Strong winds are blowing across Southern California at the start of what will ultimately turn into the first Santa Ana wind events of the season.

Forecasters say we can expect 60-mph gusts in the mountainous areas, including the San Gabriels, and that the wind advisory will continue until Friday morning.

NWS forecasters said the wind would make driving hard, especially for motorists in high-profile vehicles on Interstate 5, the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway and state Route 126. Minor damage to small trees and unsecured outdoor objects may also be possible.

The warning came as powerful winds hit the region overnight, toppling trees, causing a transformer to explode and – at one point- leaving thousands without power. 74 through the Santa Ana Mountains. The highest high tides are expected during the mid to late morning hours.

A coastal flood advisory will be in effect until 2 p.m.in Los Angeles County and 9 p.m.in Orange County.

“Northerly winds will initially blow through the [I-5 corridor of] the Grapevine and north-south canyons of Santa Barbara County on Thursday”, stated AccuWeather Western Weather Expert Ken Clark.

Gusty winds buffeted the Southland amid relatively low humidity today, creating a danger of wildfire ranging from “elevated” to “extreme”, the National Weather Service said. Forecasters said the expected conditions could generate flooding of such low- lying areas as beach parking lots, adjacent streets and, possibly, structures.

The NWS forecast sunny skies today and highs of 80 in Avalon; 81 at LAX; 84 in Newport Beach; 85 in Long Beach and San Clemente; 87 in Mission Viejo; 88 in Anaheim, Laguna Beach and Irvine; 89 in Fullerton; and 90 in Yorba Linda.

Saturday’s temperatures will be around four degrees higher in many communities.