Powerful winds, surf hit Southland; Malibu kayaker missing
Strong winds buffeted parts of Southern California on Saturday and will continue through the weekend.
The winds downed trees in hard-hit areas, but there were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power said about 23,000 customers were without power in the San Fernando Valley. There were also reports of scattered power outages elsewhere.
A high-surf advisory has been issued for some Orange County and San Diego County beaches.
Amid the powerful surf and wind, Los Angeles County lifeguards were looking for a missing kayaker Saturday afternoon off the coast of Malibu.
According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts could top 75 mph in mountain areas and 65 mph in the Santa Clarita Valley. The gusts will likely be 30 mph or less in the Westside and San Gabriel Valleys.
At 8:42 a.m. Saturday, winds were clocked at 60 mph at Burbank Airport. Earlier in the morning, 48 mph winds were clocked in Santa Ana.
The NWS said driving could be hazardous on many freeways and other roads because of the winds.
“Home and business owners should be prepared to secure all loose outdoor furniture in advance of the onset of strong winds,’’ the agency said in a statement.
Temperatures were in the high 70s and low 80s.
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