Urgent warning for Southern California for powerful winds, extremely critical fire weather
Southern California’s wildfire risk is reaching critical levels on Monday, January 20, 2025, with forecasters cautioning that dry vegetation and powerful winds could create the perfect conditions for fast-spreading, unpredictable fires. Potential impacts from this event include downed trees and power outages, very rapid and erratic fire spread, dangerous driving conditions and travel delays, especially for high-profile vehicles, and hazardous sea conditions with potential breaking waves for Avalon Harbor. If you live in affected region and haven’t prepared already, now is the time to act.
Image credit: NWS/Los Angeles
The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a Critical Risk of fire weather (level 2/3) for Southern California, with gusts reaching up to 96 km/h (60 mph) in lower elevations and exceeding 120 km/h (75 mph) in the foothills. An Extremely Critical Risk (level 3/3) is in effect for ongoing fire-sensitive areas in the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains.
The warnings were issued due to a combination of powerful winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation, which significantly increase the risk of wildfires. Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for potential evacuations. The conditions are expected to be most severe in the mountainous and foothill regions.
“Take action now to prepare your home and loved ones for another round of extreme wind and fire weather,” forecasters at the NWS office in Los Angeles said.
The event will likely affect large parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including burn areas in Malibu and Altadena. In addition, the warning includes Burbank, Santa Clarita, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks and Azusa.
Winds in favored terrain corridors could reach 50 – 65 km/h (30 – 40 mph). However, stronger upper-level winds in the region may result in gusts of 95 – 130 km/h (60 – 80 mph) in the terrain, with gusts of 90 – 105 km/h (55 – 65 mph) possible elsewhere. Relative humidity (RH) could range from 5 – 15%.
Offshore winds are expected to gradually increase starting Monday morning or afternoon, peaking overnight into early Tuesday morning.
Vegetation has become very dry due to frequent offshore winds. Exercise caution with potential ignition sources, stay informed, and follow instructions from emergency officials.
Potential impacts from this event include downed trees and power outages, very rapid and erratic fire spread, dangerous driving conditions and travel delays, especially for high profile vehicles, and hazardous sea conditions, with potential breaking waves for Avalon Harbor.
If you haven’t prepared already, now is the time to act. Prepare an evacuation plan for yourself and your loved ones. Pack essential items in an emergency Go Bag and charge necessary electronic and lighting devices. Fill up gas tanks for cars and generators, and secure any loose outdoor items.
Adjust travel plans from Monday night through Tuesday morning. When winds start, avoid trees and powerlines, and exercise extreme caution with anything that could spark a fire.
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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