Southern California hit with significant wind gusts including 55 MPH howler at tiny airport

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Over the past six hours, several areas in Southwest California have experienced significant wind gusts, with the Western San Fernando Valley and parts of the San Gabriel Mountains seeing some of the highest speeds, according to a report from the National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles/Oxnard.

In the Western San Fernando Valley, the highest wind gust was recorded at Pacoima (Whiteman Airport), where winds reached 55 MPH just before 1 PM on Friday, October 18. Other notable wind speeds include 46 MPH at Magic Mountain Truck Trail in the Western San Gabriel Mountains, and 45 MPH at Refugio Hills in the Santa Ynez Mountains.

The gusty winds are part of a larger weather system affecting the region, particularly impacting mountain areas and coastal regions. The Santa Ynez Mountains and the Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains also reported wind gusts between 36-45 MPH, with Tepusquet Canyon experiencing gusts of up to 43 MPH.

These winds, combined with dry conditions, may elevate fire risks in certain areas, and residents are encouraged to stay informed of local weather advisories.

Highest Wind Gusts:

• Pacoima (Whiteman Airport): 55 MPH at 12:55 PM
• Magic Mountain Truck Trail: 46 MPH at 4:30 PM
• Mesa Vincent: 44 MPH at 10:00 PM
• Chilao RAWS: 44 MPH at 9:53 PM
• Refugio Hills RAWS: 45 MPH at 9:06 PM

the highest wind gust was recorded at Pacoima (Whiteman Airport), where winds reached 55 MPHPhoto byJason MavrommatisonUnsplash