April 22--Powerful winds are expected to slam into the Southland starting Friday afternoon and continue throughout the weekend, forecasters said.
A National Weather Service wind advisory will be in effect for the region starting at 2 p.m., said Stuart Seto, a weather specialist for the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
The Antelope Valley is expected to be particularly hard hit, with winds topping off at 45 mph, blowing sand and dust that could restrict visibility, said Seto. Gusts up to 50 miles an hour could hit the region Friday night.
"The blowing dust and sand is always bad for vehicles in that area," Seto said.
Strong cross winds, especially through and below canyons and passes, are expected to make driving difficult, particularly along Interstate 5, according to the weather service.
Antelope Valley residents should put away their lawn furniture and anything that could be blown around, and they should be careful parking beside trees, Seto said.
The powerful gusts, Seto said, will be the result of a low-pressure system moving into the region that also will cool temperatures after the heat wave earlier this week.
Mountainous areas in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties also are expected to have a gusty few days, according to the weather service.
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The winds likely will make for choppy, hazardous seas, forecasters said. Gale conditions could be possible from Point Piedras Blancas in San Luis Obispo County to San Mateo Point near San Clemente on Saturday night through Monday night.
"Mariners without the proper equipment and experience are urged to seek safe harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions," the weather service said in a statement.
hailey.branson@latimes.com
Twitter: @haileybranson
