Cold front to hit SCV

Warning for Santa Clarita in effect over weekend

County health officials warned residents about a cold front expected to hit the Santa Clarita Valley this weekend.

The National Weather Service’s forecast shows low temperatures, with wind chill temperatures expected to be below 32 degrees.

For the SCV, the warning is in effect for Saturday and Sunday, due mostly to the structure of the cold front, according to Kathy Hoxsie, meteorologist for the National Weather Service.

“This is a cold front, and cold fronts have the same basic structure but intensities can be different. This one is very much colder,” she explained, noting that in contrast with the previous cold front and rain we had, the wind chill would make it significantly colder.

However, there was a bright side for those who like to stay dry.

“The front does not look like it’s going to bring that precipitation (like the previous recent cold front),” she said.

The county offered several precautions for residents looking to keep warm.

“Children, the elderly and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during such cold snaps. Extra precaution should be taken to ensure they don’t get too cold when they are outside,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, Los Angeles County interim health officer. “There are places where people can go to stay warm, such as shelters or other public facilities. We also want to remind people not to use stoves, barbeques or ovens to heat their homes due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.”

Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs may also call 2-1-1 LA County for emergency preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. 2-1-1 LA County services can also be accessed by visiting www.211la.org.