Palmdale, CA – Wind gusts strong enough to knock out power and overturn high-profile vehicles will hammer interior California through 9 p.m. Thursday, creating immediate travel hazards across mountain passes and open desert highways.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard, a High Wind Warning remains in effect for the Antelope Valley, Cuyama Valley, San Luis Obispo County Interior Valleys and Mountains, and the Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains. Southwest winds between 25 and 40 mph will push gusts as high as 65 mph, with the strongest bursts targeting exposed ridges and desert communities.
In Los Angeles County, Lancaster and Palmdale face the highest risk of blowing debris and sudden crosswinds along State Route 14 and rural roads near Lake Los Angeles. Farther north and west, gusty conditions will sweep across the Carrizo Plain, Creston, Shandon and the Caliente and La Panza ranges. Mountain routes near Figueroa Mountain and Big Pine Mountain could see dangerous driving conditions, especially for trucks, RVs and trailers.
Utilities warn that tree limbs and power lines may fall under peak gusts, raising the threat of scattered to widespread outages. Residents should secure outdoor furniture, charge devices and remain in lower levels of their homes away from windows during the strongest winds.
The warning stays in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday, and additional advisories could follow if damaging gusts persist into the overnight hours.
