A powerful windstorm is set to hit southern California on Tuesday, with gusts reaching up to 80mph and potentially exceeding 100mph in some areas. The National Weather Service has issued warnings of structural damage, downed trees, and extreme fire risk due to the lack of rainfall in months. Public safety power shutoffs are being considered for nearly 300,000 customers in the region.
The upcoming winds, acting as an “atmospheric blow-dryer,” could elevate the risk of wildfires in the more populated lower hills and valleys. The region has seen little rain this season, with many areas experiencing moderate drought conditions. The dry winds have contributed to warmer temperatures and heightened fire risk.
Areas like Malibu, still recovering from last month’s wind-driven Franklin fire, are at risk of extreme fire conditions. The last wind event of this magnitude was in 2011, when more than 400,000 customers throughout LA county lost power. Planned power shutoffs are expected for Tuesday and Wednesday to prevent potential debris from causing damage to power lines.
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