An urgent alert has been issued as powerful Santa Ana winds are expected to sweep through parts of Southern California this weekend, with gusts potentially reaching 70 mph in certain areas.

The National Weather Service has released advisories covering extensive regions within Los Angeles and Ventura counties, warning residents that these strong winds could topple trees, down power lines, and create hazardous driving conditions.

Wind activity is set to begin on Friday, affecting much of the Los Angeles region before intensifying early Saturday morning. Forecasts predict winds between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts peaking at 40 mph. A wind advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday for these areas.

More extreme conditions are anticipated in the San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Susana Mountains, the Highway 14 Corridor, Mount Baldy, and Wrightwood. In these regions, winds are expected to blow at 25 to 40 mph, with gusts surging up to 70 mph, as reported by the National Weather Service.

Both advisories highlight the potential for dangerous driving conditions, particularly for high-profile vehicles.

Thanks to a wet winter, there is currently no wildfire risk associated with the Santa Ana winds. Known for their role in fueling some of California’s most destructive wildfires, these winds typically occur during the cooler months.

The weather service describes the winds as “strong, hot, dust-bearing” gusts that sweep in from inland desert areas before descending on the Pacific Coast near Los Angeles, according to the the weather service.

The winds — often dubbed “Devil Winds” — are believed to be named after the Santa Ana Canyon in Orange County.

When they swept through Southern California in January 2025, the “hurricane force” gusts led to the deadly Palisades and Eaton Fires that destroyed thousands of homes.