Santa Barbara, Calif. – Strong northwest winds are expected to continue battering parts of Santa Barbara County overnight, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph through 5 a.m. Friday. The strongest winds are hitting the southwestern coast and the western range of the Santa Ynez Mountains, making travel hazardous along exposed roadways.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, sustained winds between 20 and 30 mph are expected to persist, with peak gusts creating the greatest danger in areas near Refugio State Beach, Gaviota, El Capitan State Beach, San Marcos Pass, and Jalama Beach. Tree limbs may snap under the strain, and scattered power outages are possible if lines are brought down.
High-profile vehicles, including RVs and delivery trucks, should use extreme caution, particularly along U.S. Highway 101 near Gaviota and the passes connecting to inland valleys. Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, umbrellas, and trash bins before bedtime.
The wind advisory remains in effect until early Friday morning, but gusty conditions could redevelop this weekend as a similar weather pattern sets up along the coast.
