17 million warnings under red flags in California
- A location in Los Angeles County clocked 89 mph on Thursday.
- At least 17 million people live where the red flag warning remained in effect on Friday.
- Better weather was predicted over the weekend.
A severe wind event in Santa Ana in Southern California led to wildfire warnings for more than 17 million people and tens of thousands of people without power across the region, as officials before shutting down power as a precaution. Forest fires.
Seasonal dry winds created severe Thanksgiving Day gusts, toppling trees and other damage while “public safety power was cut off” in at-risk areas. High interrupts dinner plans.
One location in Los Angeles County experienced gusts of 89 mph early Thursday. However, no major wildfires have been reported.
The winds eased slightly on Friday morning, but the threat will remain high through Friday, meteorologists said. NS National Weather Service speak.
Dry conditions and strong winds prompted the weather agency to issue red flag warnings for several Southern California counties through 6 p.m. local time Friday. Red flags signal dangerous weather conditions where wildfires can break out and spread unpredictably. The fire department brought in more personnel while the warnings were in progress.
At least 17 million people live where the red flag warning remained in effect as of Friday, the Weather Service said.
Than:Public safety blackout affected thousands of Ventura County residents on Thanksgiving
More than 75,000 Edison customers in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties were left without power under the program’s shutdown late Thursday. As of Friday morning, nearly 60,000 remain helpless, according to poweroutage.us, a website tracking utility.
“These are very strong winds,” said Gabriela Ornelas, a spokeswoman for Southern California Edison.
Such winds can blow debris into power lines and cause fires, which is why public safety shutdowns are in place.
“I’d rather have more wind and less electricity than (have) burn my house down,” said Carl Pride, a Fontana resident. CNN branch KABC while trying to grab his hat as the strong wind blew it away. “A minor inconvenience is nothing compared to the loss of my home.”
Better weather was predicted over the weekend.
“There will be some gusts of wind every Saturday and Sunday morning but nothing near advisory levels,” the weather service said.
Contributors: Jeremy Childs, The Ventura County Star; Related press