Brrr! Freezing, windy weather grips Los Angeles County
The holiday week got off to a frosty start Monday as freezing temperatures gripped parts of Southern California and powerful winds toppled trees.
The chilly weather triggered a freeze warning for the Antelope Valley, and Cuyama, Ojai, San Luis Obispo and San Ynez valleys, according to the National Weather Service in Oxnard. Temperatures dipped overnight to 17 degrees in Lancaster and 24 degrees in Palmdale.
“Temperatures are still falling,” weather service meteorologist Andrew Rorke said Monday morning.
A cold low-pressure system from Nevada swept cold air and brought breezy conditions across the area, he said. Chilly conditions will linger in the area until Tuesday.
The Southern California Gas Co. asked its customers to reduce their use of natural gas ahead of the freezing weather overnight. Reduced gas use would lower the risk of gas and power outages, the company said. Forecasters also warned that exposed pipes should be covered and pets should be kept indoors.
Meanwhile, strong winds wreaked havoc for police and firefighters as drought-weakened trees in Simi Valley and Porter Ranch fell and blocked roadways.
In the Malibu Hills, winds topped out at 64 mph. Powerful gusts also swept through Acton and Saugus, where winds reached 41 mph and 36 mph, respectively.
Forecasters expect the winds to subside by Monday afternoon. But breezy conditions will stick around until Thursday.
By Wednesday, typically warm weather will return to Southern California with temperatures in the high 70s, and possibly 80 degrees for some cities.
For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
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