Dangerously strong winds are sweeping across the Southland this weekend, causing some power outages and prompting a warning for drivers that the Grapevine might be shut down due to snow and ice and strong gusts.
A wind advisory will remain in effect until 7 p.m. Sunday in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
“… Through Sunday, travel on the I-5 corridor #Grapevine may be delayed/closed due to MOUNTAIN SNOW/ICE and WARNING LEVEL WINDS gusting 60-80 mph,” the National Weather Service’s Los Angeles office wrote on X. “Avoid mountain travel …. Chance blizzard conditions with low visibilities from blowing snow.”
Mayor Karen Bass said late Sunday morning that high winds overnight caused power outages in some Los Angeles neighborhoods. She added that LADWP crews were in the field working to restore power.
The utility reminded the public to “never touch a downed or dangling wire no matter how small, or anyone, or anything in contact with it. Always assume a downed wire is still energized with high voltage electricity. Stay away, and immediately call 9-1-1!”
Southern California Edison’s website reported 17 outages in LA County affecting more than 3,600 customers as of 11:20 a.m. Sunday, and three outages affecting 384 customers in Orange County.
Some rain fell over the Los Angeles County mountains overnight, and snow levels fell quickly late Saturday evening through Sunday morning to about 3,000 feet, according to the NWS. Forecasters predicted up to a few inches of snow in the northwestern LA County mountains and through the Interstate 5 corridor.
The weather service warned Southland residents to use extra caution when driving, especially in high-profile vehicles, and to secure outdoor objects.
Widespread strong to damaging winds were expected into early Sunday evening, and gusts of 55 to 65 mph were already reported in several locations as of 8 a.m. Sunday.
Daytime temperatures Sunday will stay in the upper 50s and 60s, then drop into the 30s and 40s overnight in most areas. The Antelope Valley was expected to see lows of 18 to 20 degrees. The cold weather pattern will likely persist into Tuesday, the NWS said.