Powerful Santa Ana winds have caused chaos Thursday in Southern California neighborhoods known for his or her towering trees after not less than one person was injured and officials closed popular parks.
Santa Ana winds occur in Southern California and are named after where they originate: the Santa Ana Mountains. These powerful winds from the east side of the mountains can affect temperatures and cause wildfire danger. They can even bring other wind-related hazards like downed power lines.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said in a tweet that dozens of trees and small structures were blown over through the wind event.
San Diego city officials said a 30-year-old woman suffered severe injuries after an 80-foot eucalyptus tree fell on her. She was taken to an area hospital with injuries that weren’t life-threatening.
On account of the downed trees, city officials evacuated Balboa Park, Chollas Lake and Presidio Park.
On Thursday, the National Weather Service offices in San Diego and Los Angeles reported winds gusts of greater than 90 mph.
The best wind gust within the San Diego area of 93 mph was recorded early within the day on Sill Hill, in line with the NWS. Gusts as much as 35 mph were recorded at San Diego Airport.
A peak wind gust of 112 mph was recorded throughout the past 24 hours along the Magic Mountain Truck Trail, in line with NWS Los Angeles.
Thursday’s winds turned large trees – normally a captivating feature – right into a danger for San Diego residents.
Gloria told residents to avoid walking near trees when outside and to “exercise extreme caution.”
California Transportation officials closed several routes as a consequence of downed trees in the world, including a ramp onto northbound Interstate 5.
Public works crews were out Thursday clearing giant tree branches, and whole trees knocked down by gusting winds blocking streets and walkways. Streetlights were also damaged by the high winds, in line with city officials.
Strong Santa Ana winds will proceed into Thursday night before diminishing overnight.
In accordance with the Balboa Park website, the 1,200-acre park will reopen on Friday.