Massive Santa Ana wind warning in effect for Southern California

A huge Santa Ana wind warning has been issued for Southern California and officials say residents should prepare for the weather pattern to impact the area over the next several days.

The National Weather Service out of Los Angeles said that strong winds ranging between 20– 30 mph and up to 50 mph could hit some parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to its website.

There is also a possibility of even stronger wind gusts of more than 65 mph, from Friday through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

The wind advisory is in effect until 2 am Pacific time on Friday. A high wind warning is in effect from the early hours of Friday morning until Saturday afternoon.

The warning was issued for San Gabriel Mountains, Ventura County Mountains, Santa Susana Mountains, and Highway 14 Corridor, according to NWS.

The advisory warns that the strong winds could lead to several hazards including, downed trees, power outages, 

There’s also a possibility for hazardous driving conditions with crosswinds and road debris.

In addition, those who are headed out on the water are warned that there is a potential for hazardous seas, including near shore and near the islands.

Santa Ana winds are described as a “weather condition in which strong, hot, dust-bearing winds descend to the Pacific Coast around Los Angeles from inland desert regions,” according to the National Weather Service.

Santa Ana winds are the same kind that swept through Southern California in January 2025 that lead to the devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires that destroyed thousands of homes.