The Santa Ana winds have arrived. Here's what we can expect in Long Beach
The National Weather Service said the city could see gusts up to 40 miles per hour tonight, which is just a taste of what other parts of the region are facing.
The National Weather Service has issued a high-wind warning for the greater Los Angeles area through Wednesday afternoon, with Long Beach expecting to see steady winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts up to 40 mph, according to officials.
The unusually strong gusts in Long Beach are just a taste of what is happening in other parts of the region, including the San Fernando Valley, which are expected to see gusts between 50 and 80 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
In areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the NWS is warning of “a life-threatening, destructive widespread windstorm.”
HEADS UP!!! A LIFE-THREATENING, DESTRUCTIVE, Widespread Windstorm is expected Tue afternoon-Weds morning across much of Ventura/LA Co. Areas not typically windy will be impacted. See graphic for areas of greatest concern. Stay indoors, away from windows, expect poweroutages. #LA pic.twitter.com/yl83LxeMEc
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 6, 2025
The high wind warning went into effect Tuesday afternoon and will last through 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Impacts at Long Beach Airport have been minimal, according to spokesperson Kate Kuykendall, who noted a few delays — though it's unclear exactly how many are directly attributable to windy conditions. Travelers should always check in with their airlines, however, to confirm flight details.
"We’ve had two diversions come to LGB that were scheduled to arrive at other airports because the winds weren’t as bad here," Kuykendall said.
The strong winds and drop in humidity makes for “the perfect recipe for a large wildfire,” Brent Pascua, a battalion chief for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, told the LA Times. Already, a large brushfire has erupted in the Pacific Palisades and spread to 1,200 acres.
The winds are expected to exacerbate the recent poor air quality issues in Long Beach and other areas. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a “windblown dust” advisory that will last through 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The agency stated that PM10, or particulate matter 10, levels are expected to be heightened due to the winds, making unhealthy air quality likely. PM10, and the smaller PM2.5, are inhalable pollutants that can enter the bloodstream and are associated with a number of adverse health impacts, including “premature mortality, increased hospital admissions for heart or lung causes, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks, emergency room visits, respiratory symptoms, and restricted activity days,” according to the California Air Resources Board.
The effects are typically reported in infants, children and older adults with preexisting conditions, the agency noted.
Long Beach officials are urging residents to secure items on balconies and patios such as furniture and trash cans to avoid damage and injury. They also recommend removing dead trees, overhanging branches, loose roofing and other objects that can be blown away.
Outdoor activities should be postponed for safety, officials said, adding that people should be extra cautious while driving as objects and debris can be blown into the road.
Downed trees can be reported by calling 562-570-2700 or on the Go Long Beach website. Downed power lines should be reported by calling 9-1-1.
Long Beach officials said the city has activated its Inclement Weather Center to provide additional shelter for unhoused people Tuesday night. The facility provides “temporary low-barrier, safe and supportive emergency shelter for up to 60 people,” they added.
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