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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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Wind advisories across parts of California and Arizona are prompting officials to warn drivers to use “extra caution” as powerful gusts sweep through the region.
The National Weather Service (NWS) says the strong winds—capable of buffeting vehicles and knocking down unsecured objects—will continue through late Monday and into early Tuesday in many areas.
In California, multiple advisories cover the Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Barbara County’s southwestern coast, the Santa Ynez Mountains, and the western San Fernando Valley. Winds range from 15 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts up to 50 mph, depending on the location. Most of the alerts expire between midnight and 3 a.m. PST Tuesday, though localized strong gusts may continue. Closer to the coast, a small craft advisory is in place as the strong winds make ocean conditions difficult to navigate for small boats.
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Some rain is accompanying the winds, NWS meteorologist Emily Wilson told Newsweek.
"Rain systems that will produce these types of winds are pretty common in the wintertime," Wilson said, adding more elevated winds are expected across the region beginning on Wednesday afternoon.
"Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution," NWS Hanford said in the wind advisory.
In Arizona, strong winds are gusting across the northeast part of the state and will continue until 8 p.m. local time. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts from 40 to 50 mph are expected in the Little Colorado River Valley, Mogollon Rim, Painted Desert, White Mountains, and Black Mesa Area, including the cities of Greer and Flagstaff, among others.
"Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles," NWS Flagstaff said in the advisory. "Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles, such as RVs, campers, and tractor trailers. Secure loose outdoor objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind."
Transportation officials emphasize that high winds can make it difficult to maintain lane position—particularly for high-profile vehicles such as trucks, vans, and RVs. Sudden gusts may also reduce visibility by kicking up dust in desert areas and can cause debris or tree limbs to blow onto roadways.
More than a million people across the two states fall under these advisories as weather systems continue to intensify regional winds. Travelers are urged to check local forecasts and consider delaying travel during peak gust periods as conditions may change rapidly.
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