Experts warn that Southern California will face the most destructive windstorm on Tuesday in over a decade. In addition to powerful winds, the storm is expected to bring life-threatening conditions, including the potential for wildfires in the affected areas.

Southern California’s windstorm is expected to top a previous natural disaster

The National Weather Service Los Angeles has described the upcoming windstorm as dangerous, drawing comparisons to a natural disaster that struck over a decade ago, CNN and Fox 11 Los Angeles reported.

“This will likely be the most destructive windstorm seen since [the] 2011 windstorm that did extensive damage to Pasadena and nearby Foothills of the San Gabriel Valley. Any communities along [the] Highway 118 and 210 corridors will be at the highest risk for comparable wind damage,” the NWS said.

‘The strongest wind event of the season’

A high wind warning has been issued for parts of Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. It will take effect from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, per Fox 11. The warning highlights the storm‘s severity, with winds expected to reach dangerous levels across the region.

Affected areas include the beaches of Los Angeles County, the Catalina and Santa Barbara islands, Palos Verdes Hills, downtown Los Angeles, Torrance, Downey, Beverly Hills, Avalon, Norwalk, LAX, Rancho Palos Verdes, Culver City, Compton, Hollywood, and Long Beach.

“Residents across Southern California are urged to remain vigilant and monitor the latest forecasts. There is high confidence in strong offshore winds with the potential to be the strongest wind event of the season, especially for the Southland valleys,” the NWS said.

What is the Public Safety Power Shutoff Program?

Strong winds are expected between Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, with gusts shifting from a northerly to a northeasterly direction. However, wind intensity will fluctuate throughout the day, with increased and decreased strength periods.

Power company Southern California Edison said some residents may experience temporary power outages as part of the Public Safety Power Shutoff Program. It typically happens during hazardous weather conditions to prevent wildfires in these neighborhoods.

Road and school closures are also expected in the affected areas. Residents are urged to take precautions, implement fire safety plans, and prepare to evacuate their homes if necessary to ensure their safety during the storm.

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