Powerful Santa Ana Winds Could Raise Fire Danger And Big Waves

LOS ANGELES, CA — Powerful Santa Ana winds arriving Sunday night are expected to wallop Southern California, threatening to spark more wildfires and trigger some large offshore waves along the coast. This could be the strongest and most widespread wind event of the year, with peak gusts reaching 75 mph in some areas.

Red flag warnings went into effect for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties beginning Sunday night through Tuesday as humidity levels are expected to drop into single digits.

And it wasn't just Southern California bracing for extreme weather Sunday, as most of the state was under red flag warnings beginning Sunday night. An unprecedented 1 million Californians could potentially lose power in Northern and Central California as a result of the gusty event.

With the absence of rain so far this October, a dry landscape coupled with high-speed gusts could potentially ignite another string of devastating wildfires.

Any new fires that do spark, are likely to gallop out of control, emergency officials warned. Power shut offs were also possible for some parts of Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles emergency management officials said they were on high alert, while Cal Fire bolstered staffing in anticipation of the gusty event.

"Our emergency response officials are world-class and will stand ready to defend lives and property," said Kevin McGowan, Director of Los Angeles County's Office of Emergency Management.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department has also increased staffing in response to the red flag warning, with Fire Chief Daryl Osby ordering pre-deployment of resources throughout Los Angeles County.

Despite the fire danger, freezing overnight temperatures are expected across the Antelope Valley Monday and Tuesday.

The National Weather service advised residents and visitors to the L.A. area to use "extreme" caution with campfires, cigarettes or any other potential fire sparking sources.

"We need collaboration from all residents who live in L.A. County to stay safe as a region," McGowan said. "We must all do our part by staying informed and being ready to evacuate at a moment's notice, especially if you live in canyon, mountain or foothill communities."

Gale-force northeast winds were also possible from Sunday night to Monday from Ventura to Santa Monica, to the Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands, as well as the San Pedro Channel and Catalina Island, according to the National Weather Service.

Hazardous sea conditions, which could capsize or damage a small vessel, were forecasted beginning Sunday evening.

"Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions," National Weather Service officials wrote in a Sunday Gale Warning. "Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions."

A #RedFlagWarning is in effect for parts of LA and Ventura Counties for Sun night-Tue. Now is the time to closely review your evacuation plans and double check your emergency kit and what you would take with you if you need to evacuate. Are you set? #CAwx #LAWeather pic.twitter.com/9farB3DI5r
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) October 25, 2020

Low humidity and gusty winds were largely at play in sparking the massive Bobcat Fire, which grew to 115,796 acres, becoming one of the largest wildfires in LA County's history.

California's 2020 wildfire season, the largest in state history, has largely been driven by these same weather conditions, scorching a staggering 4.1 million acres so far.

Diablo winds were expected to sweep across Northern California, causing potential for widespread public safety power shutoffs and high fire danger.

Pacific Gas & Electric warned Friday that 466,000 customers in 38 counties across Northern and Central California may lose power as a result of the high wind event.

But power was expected to be restored within 12 hours after winds subside.

In comparison, the power shutoffs earlier this month only affected 31,000 customers in Northern California.

SEE ALSO: Massive Power Shutoff Could Hit Sunday: PG&E

The City News Service contributed to this report.