Photo: David McNew/Getty Images
The Strong Santa Ana winds wreaked havoc Thursday in Southern California neighborhoods known for their towering trees after at least one person was injured and authorities closed popular parks.
The Santa Ana winds occur in southern California and They 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 also bring other wind-related hazards, such as downed power lines.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said in a tweet that dozens of trees and small structures were downed during the wind event.
San Diego city officials said that a 30-year-old woman sustained serious injuries after an 80-foot eucalyptus tree fell on her. She was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Due to the fallen 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 wind gusts of more than 90 mph.
The highest wind gust in the San Diego area of 93 mph was recorded earlier in the day at Sill Hill, according to the NWS. Gusts of up to 35 mph were reported at the San Diego airport.
A peak wind gust of 112 mph was recorded in the past 24 hours along the Magic Mountain Truck Trail, according to NWS Los Angeles.
The NWS offices in San Diego and Los Angeles announced high-speed wind gusts in excess of 90 mph.
Thursday’s winds turned large trees, normally a charming feature, into a hazard to San Diegans.
Gloria told residents to avoid walking near trees when outside and to “exercise extreme caution.”
California Transportation officials closed several routes due to downed trees in the area, including a ramp to northbound Interstate 5.
Public works crews were out Thursday to clear giant branches and entire trees toppled by gusty winds that blocked streets and sidewalks. Streetlights were also damaged by high winds, according to city officials.
Strong Santa Ana winds will continue through Thursday night before tapering off overnight.
According to the Balboa Park website, the 1,200-acre park will reopen Friday.
Read more
* At least 3 dead and 4 injured in critical condition after a shooting in Beverly Hills
* Activists take on LAPD after Tire Nichols beating video released
* Oklahoma authorities identify the body of the 4-year-old girl, who was beaten to death by her caregiver