In over a decade, Southern California is now at risk of facing a “life-threatening” windstorm this week as the region sees what could amount to the strongest winds in more than a decade, bringing extreme fire risk to areas that have been without significant rain for months. This extreme weather began hitting Los Angeles and Ventura counties on Tuesday and was likely to peak in the early hours of Wednesday, when gusts could reach 80mph (129km/h), the National Weather Service (NWS) said Monday. Isolated gusts could top 100mph in mountains and foothills.
A large part of southern California, is at “extreme risk” from the destructive storm. The weather service warned of downed trees and knocked over big rigs, trailers, and motorhomes, and advised residents to stay indoors and away from windows. Powerful offshore gusts will also bring dangerous conditions off the coasts of Orange county and LA, including Catalina Island, and potential delays and turbulence could arise at local airports.
Public safety power shutoffs are being considered for nearly 300,000 customers across the region, according to Southern California Edison’s website.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/07/california-windstorm-fire-risk
•
•
9 w
The combination of extreme winds and dry conditions in Southern California significantly increases the fire risk, putting both lives and property in danger, while challenging efforts for safety and disaster management.
•
•
9 w
This puts people's lives at risk and it calls for actions to be taken inorder to to prevent worse from happening
•
•
9 w
@elizbeth_gathigia Immediate action is needed to mitigate the fire risk and protect communities, including better preparedness, stronger fire prevention measures, and more robust climate action to reduce these extreme events.
•
•
9 w
It’s essential for communities to stay informed and prepared, as these weather patterns can quickly escalate fire threats and impact safety and property.
•
•
9 w
@walter_lungayi Exactly, preparedness and timely communication are key to minimizing damage and saving lives, especially when these extreme weather events are becoming more frequent.
•
•
10 w
It's crucial for everyone in the area to stay prepared and informed, as strong winds can quickly escalate fire risks
•
•
9 w
@grace_njeri_804 staying vigilant and ready to act is essential when facing such unpredictable conditions, as quick responses can help prevent devastating outcomes.
•
•
10 w
This wild fires have now become an annual occurrence that causes devastation to the population. The effect is even larger with the vast amounts of smoke released into the environment
•
•
10 w
@boniface_kuria The increasing frequency of wildfires is a clear sign that climate change is accelerating, and the devastation they cause affects not just the immediate population but the environment as a whole.
•
•
10 w
The relevant government should make sure that they come up with ways of mitigating the Catastrophies.
•
•
10 w
The fires in California are awful
•
•
10 w
It's about time that the relevant government took action and help deal with the adverse effects of climate change.
•
•
10 w
@jane_wangui The urgency of the situation calls for immediate and comprehensive action from governments worldwide
•
•
10 w
The people and ecosystems of Southern California deserve better than this ongoing negligence. ..!!
•
•
10 w
@princess_nel_268 Southern California's communities and ecosystems are facing significant challenges, and it's crucial that we address the ongoing negligence with urgency.