Santa Barbara, Calif. – Strong winds are expected to whip across the Santa Barbara coastline and Santa Ynez Mountains Monday night, with gusts strong enough to knock out power and make travel hazardous.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, a wind advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Monday until 5 a.m. Tuesday. Northwest winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph in exposed areas including Refugio State Beach, Gaviota, San Marcos Pass, and Jalama Beach.
Drivers on Highway 101 near Gaviota Pass and along mountain passes may face difficult conditions, particularly for high-profile vehicles. The winds could also down tree limbs and unsecured objects, leading to localized power outages overnight.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items and use caution if traveling through coastal and mountain routes. Utility crews may be called out if outages occur in neighborhoods near the coast and foothills.
The advisory remains in place through early Tuesday, with conditions expected to ease after sunrise. More updates may be issued if winds linger longer into the morning.
