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Strong winds

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A wind advisory was issued for all beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the Malibu coast, and the Palos Verdes hills until 9 p.m. Friday.

Because it is important: Winds between 20 and 30 mph are expected, with gusts up to 40 mph. However, some areas such as LAX and Catalina Island have experienced speeds of up to 45 mph, according to David Gomberg, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Who is affected: Point Mugu, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, LAX, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, Torrance and Rancho Palos Verdes are included in the advisory.

What to pay attention to: Keep an eye out for tree debris and unsecured objects that may have been thrown onto the road. Downed power lines are always a hazard in high winds, so it’s always a good idea to make sure you have enough backup batteries, just in case.

What else to keep in mind: The atmosphere is very cold right now. This has produced scattered hail mainly in the valleys and mountainous areas.

A wind advisory was issued for all beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the Malibu coast, and the Palos Verdes hills until 9 p.m. Friday. Including Point Mugu, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, LAX, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, Torrance and Rancho Palos Verdes.

Winds between 20 and 30 mph are expected, with gusts up to 40 mph.

Those winds have been whistling through trees, vibrating street signs and blowing debris around areas near the ocean.

Some areas such as LAX and Catalina Island have experienced speeds of up to 45 mph, according to David Gomberg, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Why might you have seen hail?

The atmosphere is also very cold right now, Gomberg told LAist, which has been producing scattered hail, mainly in the valleys and mountainous areas.

That made for some wild weather today with hail loudly hitting rooftops in Silver Lake and beyond and sunny skies chasing right behind.

Dangerous conditions at sea

Soiythern California's color-coded map shows coastal areas under a gale watch.

Light purple areas off the coast of Southern California are under a gale watch until 3 a.m. Saturday.

A gale warning is also in effect for the Southern California coast, and the National Weather Service is warning anyone at sea, especially small boats, to “alter plans to avoid these dangerous conditions. Remain in port, look for a safe harbor, alter course and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.”

That warning will be in effect until 3 a.m. Saturday.

Tips and resources

Keep an eye out for tree debris and unsecured objects that may have been thrown onto the road.

Downed power lines are always a hazard in high winds, so it’s always a good idea to make sure you have enough backup batteries, just in case.

Southern California Edison Safety Tips

    • Keep an eye out for traffic signs that may be out. Approach those intersections as four-way stops.
    • Make sure you have a battery-powered radio and flashlights. Check the batteries to make sure they are new. Use flashlights to illuminate during a power outage; Do not use candles as they can pose a significant fire hazard.
    • If you are in a vehicle with a downed power line, stay in the vehicle and remain calm until help arrives. It is okay to use your cell phone to call 911. If you must exit the vehicle, remember to get away from downed power lines and jump out of the vehicle and land with both feet together. You should not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Then, shuffle away from the vehicle without lifting your feet until you are several meters away.
    • Water and electricity do not mix. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Do not walk or enter water that may come into contact with a downed power line.
    • Do not use any equipment indoors that is designed for outdoor heating or cooking. These equipment can emit carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
    • If you use a generator, place it outdoors and connect individual appliances directly to it, using a heavy-duty extension cord. Connecting generators directly to home circuits creates “feedback,” which is dangerous for repair crews.
    • Leave your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food as fresh as possible. Place ice blocks inside to help keep food cold. Check food carefully for signs of spoilage.
    • Check on your neighbors to make sure everyone is safe.

What questions do you have about Southern California?

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