FONTANA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> Southern California Weather Force has issued a Santa Ana Wind Watch, effective now for January 7th into the 8th, 2025, in response to the forecast issued over a week ago for the first week of January on wind events.
An interesting weather pattern will be developing this week. This is what is called a hybrid inside slider pattern mixed with a cutoff low. Cutoff lows are tough to forecast, but the majority of the numbers suggests upper support will be there during the allotted time period for a Santa Ana Wind Event to occur.
Given the cutoff nature, I will wait a bit to upgrade Santa Ana Wind Watch to anything higher, such as a possible Enhanced Santa Ana Wind Watch or Warning. Still, the Southern California Weather Force numbers suggest it will be an major event.
The Wind Watch is to be prepared for a Advisory or a Warning issued by the Southern California Weather Force. The High Wind Watch is for San Bernardino County this includes, the town of Devore, North Fontana/San Bernardino, Rialto and the Cajon Pass mountain cities. With winds blowing around 50-60 mph with max wind gust at or around 70+ mph for the foothills and the canyon passes.
This will lead to a elevated critical fire weather conditions for portions of the Inland Empire through Wednesday night.
Watch for objects that could potentially blow into the roadway. Tree limbs may break and other debris may come loose during strong gusty winds.
If you see smoke or flames please call 911 asap before posting it to social media like on Facebook. Also, if you see something like a suspicious person or a vehicle parked on or by brush, say something by calling 911.
Residents and drivers should remain vigilant for downed trees and power lines. Power maybe turned off through the day or days due to the gusty winds. If you come across an intersection with traffic signals without power, approach it as a four-way stop.
The shutoff of power is designed to reduce the risk of fires caused by electrical equipment when strong winds are forecast. Several large fires in California have been linked to electrical equipment. SCE customers can sign up for alerts to let them know if the power will be shut off. Click on the Link. Power Shutoff Warning Increased fire risk conditions are expected in this area from 1/7/2025 at 6:00 PM to 1/8/2025 at 9:00 PM PST. Be prepared for a power shutoff during this time, although we may avoid shut-offs. (See map below in Red is considered for a Power Safety Shutoffs.)
Those in the wind areas should secure loose items including trash cans, BBQ, patio furniture, and lawn decorations so they don’t blow away, get damaged, or cause damage to themselves.
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