Moderate Santa Ana winds will create travel disruptions and heighten the firethreat today into Monday. There could be a brief break from the winds duringthe afternoon today before they pick back up tonight into Monday morning.The areas normally favored by northeasterly Santa Ana winds will be whipped bygusts of 50 to 60 mph. Usually, it is passes, canyons and spots directlydownwind that get the higher and most persistent strong winds.
The threat of wildfires will climb along with the wind speeds, as humidity willdip quite low. If any fires do ignite, the winds could quickly fan them intoerratically burning wildfires.
The winds will pose travel hazard as cross winds, especially to high profilevehicles. Blowing dust will rise locally, potentially reducing the visibilitysuddenly. Motorists should use extra caution today and prepare to slow downquickly.
Story by AccuWeather.com Meteorologists Jim Andrews and Meghan Evans.
