SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - January 9, 2009 (SCWXA.Org) Santa Ana Winds Are Clearing The Throat, Stronger Winds Ahead

The santa ana winds have arrived in Southern California. All stations report a dramatic drop in humidity and a rise in temperatures. These winds are gusting over 40 mph in spots, with isolated 50 to 60 mph gusts in the favored passes and canyons. But is this it?

"Of course not, " said Meteorologist Kevin Martin of the Southern California Weather Authority. "The winds are just clearing It's throat for what will come overnight into Saturday morning. Hurricane force winds will happen in the populated areas that receive these high wind gusts normally. 100 mph wind gusts will be likely in the favored pass and canyon zones as the dynamics maximize."

The Southern California Weather Authority still warns that the National Weather Service in San Diego has not issued a fire warning officially, however conditions are right for one. The weather authority's santa ana wind warning is also a fire weather warning and all fire crews should be on alert regardless.

"You have warm temperatures, and dry downsloping winds, " said Martin. There is no reason a fire watch isn't even issued by the National Weather Service in San Diego with those conditions present. Oxnard has taken initiative and issued a Red Flag Warning. This I applaud, and now it is San Diego's turn to follow that lead. With these prolonged winds, and temperatures even hotter tomorrow, fire dangers are a given."

Martin states the winds will last into next week. A prolonged event like October 2007.

SCWXA Staff Writer - Joshua Young

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