Raging Winds, Dust Storms Knock out California Power
Pastor Dale Morgan
Raging Winds, Dust Storms Knock out California Power*
AP
LOS ANGELES - Thousands of Southern California residents were without
power Thursday as strong winds knocked down power lines and blew
blinding dust across desert roadways.
More than 19,000 customers from the Los Angeles Department of Water and
Power were without electricity following winds that blew in the 50-60
mph range. The outrages stretched from the San Fernando Valley to
southern Los Angeles, said agency spokeswoman Carol Tucker.
Forecasters said the winds should subside by late Thursday after making
for a blustery holiday in Southern California. High winds on Christmas
Day blew down power lines and transformers, and utility crews were
placed on standby in anticipation for more strong gusts.
Early Thursday, The National Weather Service issued high wind warnings
for southwest California, where winds of 35-45 mph were predicted
through the morning. Wind gusts of up to 80 mph were possible.
Unlike last month's hot, dry Santa Ana winds, the latest gusts were
coming from the north and were cold and moist, weather service
meteorologist Jamie Meier said.
Traffic was backed up for two miles Wednesday afternoon as the
California Highway Patrol shut a section of State Route 58 in Mojave in
San Bernardino County to the Kern County line because of zero
visibility. A section of Highway 14 in the Antelope Valley also was
closed because of blowing dust.