Damaging Wind Gusts Possible Across the Southwest

news image
Special Stories
26 Feb 2021 5:00 AM
Another round of strong and gusty winds is expected across the Southwest today (Friday) into this weekend. While this isn't unusual for this time of year, gusts with this event could be strong enough to down trees, power lines, or topple over high profile vehicles. Offshore winds in the Southern California region could also briefly lead to dry enough conditions for critical fire danger. https://twitter.com/NWSSacramento/status/1364790807690010625 Winds began to ramp up in Northern California on Tuesday, including over the Northern Sierra where a gust reached 100 miles per hour in the Alpine Meadows area west of Lake Tahoe. Since these winds have been in an offshore direction, it is also leading to above average temperatures, nearing 80° F in some California cities. https://twitter.com/NWSLosAngeles/status/1365011878129246211 https://twitter.com/NWSSanDiego/status/1365087543054659586 Wind alerts have now been extended into this weekend in southern California, mainly in the valleys and mountains. Some of the strongest gusts are expected in the mountains and foothills surrounding Los Angeles. Peak gusts to 80 mph could down trees and powerlines, highlighted by the graphic below produced by the National Weather Service in Los Angeles. Santa Ana wind events often form from high pressure building over the Great Basin, but this event will be spurred by the strong winds wrapping around a strong upper-level trough digging quickly through the Southwest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2KmX5Vj2Jc Blowing dust and reduced visibility will be possible at times in the deserts. Motorists in all regions should exercise caution while driving in strong winds, especially in lighter, high profile vehicles. https://twitter.com/NWSSanDiego/status/1365143670811291660 Winds may peak again across a wider area of southern California Saturday night into Sunday as the Santa Ana winds continue. https://twitter.com/NWSPhoenix/status/1365118089017233408 WeatherNation will keep you posted on-air and online with the latest updates on the strong winds in the Southwest.
All Weather News
More
Elevated Tornado Risk Targets the Midwest Friday

Elevated Tornado Risk Targets the Midwest Friday

A dynamic summer weather pattern is setting t

11 Jul 2025 10:20 AM
Medium Range Tropics Forecast Favors Gulf, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

Medium Range Tropics Forecast Favors Gulf, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

While the Atlantic appears quiet, conditions

11 Jul 2025 9:40 AM
Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Moisture is moving back into the Central and

11 Jul 2025 3:00 AM
Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across the East Coast

Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across the East Coast

The severe weather and flood threat continues

11 Jul 2025 2:35 AM
Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

TEXAS - Catastrophic flooding devastated port

10 Jul 2025 10:00 AM
Ruidoso Flash Flooding - Record Crest for the Rio Ruidoso River

Ruidoso Flash Flooding - Record Crest for the Rio Ruidoso River

A slow-moving monsoonal thunderstorm develope

10 Jul 2025 1:55 AM
Dangerous Heat Building Out West

Dangerous Heat Building Out West

WEST - Heat alerts have been issued across th

9 Jul 2025 9:00 AM