Blowing right through
Strong winds are expected to continue over weekend
Powerful winds that moved into the Southland on Friday are expected to continue throughout the weekend, forecasters said.
A National Weather Service wind advisory went into effect for the region starting at 2 p.m. Friday, said Stuart Seto, a weather specialist for the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
The Antelope Valley is expected to be particularly hard hit, with winds topping out at 45 mph, blowing sand and dust that could restrict visibility, Seto said. Gusts up to 50 mph could hit the region Friday night.
“The blowing dust and sand is always bad for vehicles in that area,” Seto said.
Strong crosswinds, especially through and below canyons and passes, were expected to make driving difficult, particularly along Interstate 5, according to the weather service.
Antelope Valley residents should put away lawn furniture and anything that could be blown around, and they should avoid parking beside trees, Seto said.
The gusts, Seto said, are the result of a low-pressure system moving into the region that also should result in cooler temperatures compared with the heat wave earlier this week.
Mountainous areas in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties also are expected to have a gusty few days, according to the weather service.
The winds will make for choppy, hazardous seas, forecasters said.
Gale conditions could be possible from Point Piedras Blancas in San Luis Obispo County to San Mateo Point near San Clemente on Saturday night through Monday night.
“Mariners without the proper equipment and experience are urged to seek safe harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions,” the weather service said in a statement.