March 23--Southern Californians are in for another blustery day Wednesday with forecasters predicting winds strong enough to topple over big rigs on the highway and waves 9 feet high at the beach.
Wind advisories issued by the National Weather Service are expected to expire by the afternoon, but until then, gusts could top 55 mph in Santa Clarita and 45 mph in the San Fernando Valley, National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Hall said.
On Tuesday, the strongest winds in the region were at Whitaker Peak, which clocked an 82 mph gust, the Weather Service said. Lower elevations saw winds between 20 and 40 mph throughout the day.
In Santa Barbara County, Montecito Hills recorded a wind gust of 75 mph.
The strongest winds Wednesday are expected to hit the Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley and L.A. County mountains like Mt. Pinos and Mt. Wilson, all of which are under the wind advisory, Weather Service meteorologist Bill Forwood said.
There's little hazard from the wind except as a risk for wayward vehicles and overturned big rigs on valley highways, authorities said.
Offshore, forecasters warned of choppy seas and gale-force winds. A high-surf advisory was assigned from the Central Coast south to San Diego County. A surf of 6 to 9 feet is expected through Wednesday morning, likely with strong rip currents, Hall said.
For breaking news in California, follow @MattHjourno.
