Santa Ana Winds to Intensify Across Los Angeles County – KFI AM 640

Santa Ana Winds to Intensify Across Los Angeles County  KFI AM 640

The National Weather Service said there is a 30% to 40% chance of gusts reaching 90 mph in Los Angeles County mountains Friday, with similar chances of gusts reaching 60 mph in some valley areas. LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Powerful Santa Ana winds are expected to reach their peak Friday across Los Angeles County, with forecasters warning of mountain gusts potentially reaching 90 mph, temperatures approaching 100 degrees and an elevated risk of rapidly spreading wildfires. "Santa Ana winds arrived on schedule and with more aggressive speeds than expected," according to the NWS. "Some areas in the San Gabriel Mountains have already reported 70+ mph wind gusts." Red flag warnings for critical fire danger will remain in effect for much of Los Angeles County until 8 p.m.

Saturday. "During the peak, northeast winds of 20 to 40 mph with gusts to 50 to 70 mph will be common over the wind prone areas of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, with localized gusts of 70 to 90 mph in the mountains," according to the NWS. Forecasters said the winds will also be unusually widespread Friday, affecting areas that do not typically experience strong Santa Ana conditions. The winds will combine with rising temperatures and low humidity to create conditions favorable for rapid fire growth. "High temperatures between 90 and 100 will