Amid winds gusting to more than 30 mph, flights were experiencing delays averaging about 30 minutes Friday at Los Angeles International Airport.

The strong winds out of the east also prompted officials to reverse the usual take-off and landing directions, with flights coming in from the ocean and taking off toward the mountains, according to LAX spokesman Charles Pannunzio.

The threshold for a change in flight directions can be as low as 7 knots per hour, he said.

Meanwhile, airport, airline and air freight company crews were advised of the conditions and the need to batten down equipment.

Airport crews also combed the airfield for possible debris that could cause hazards.

It was unclear exactly how many flights were impacted by the wind, but the airport’s flight-status website showed a host of flights marked delayed, although others actually arrived early.

One Los Angeles-bound passenger told City News Service her flight was being held on the ground in San Jose and was running about 90 minutes late, with passengers being advised the winds were creating hazardous flying conditions in Los Angeles.

— City News Service

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