Bakersfield, California – Strong winds are expected to create hazardous travel conditions across parts of Kern County beginning Wednesday morning, particularly along mountain passes and major highways connecting Southern and Central California.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, there is a 60% to 70% probability of wind gusts reaching 40 miles per hour or greater, with gusts potentially as high as 45 mph. The strongest winds are forecast to affect the Tejon Pass and Grapevine areas, including heavily traveled portions of Interstate 5, from 10 a.m. Wednesday through 10 a.m. Thursday.
Forecasters report sustained northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with stronger gusts capable of producing sudden steering corrections, especially for high-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, RVs, and vehicles towing trailers. Blowing dust may also reduce visibility at times, particularly in exposed stretches of roadway.
Additional impacted routes include State Route 99, State Route 58 near the Mojave Desert, and surrounding mountain corridors where wind acceleration is common. Transportation officials caution that conditions may change rapidly, even during short periods of travel.
The National Weather Service advises motorists to keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel, reduce speed, and allow extra space between vehicles. Drivers of large or lightweight vehicles are encouraged to consider delaying travel or using alternate routes when possible.
The wind event may also impact young workers commuting between Kern County and Southern California, as well as freight traffic moving through the I-5 corridor during daytime hours.
No precipitation is expected with this system, but forecasters emphasize that wind-related hazards alone can significantly increase crash risk, particularly during peak travel periods.
This alert is based on forecast guidance updated Wednesday afternoon and will remain in effect until Thursday morning, with additional updates expected if conditions intensify.
