Extreme Santa Ana Wind event safety updates and resources

San Bernardino County has been experiencing a high Santa Ana wind event since Tuesday. Gusts have reached up to 80 mph in some areas, while most of the Inland Empire experienced sustained winds of 50-60 mph. The High Desert, including Victorville and Apple Valley, also saw gusts of 40-50 mph. These intense winds, combined with critically low humidity, created dangerous fire conditions and contributed to downed trees and potential damage throughout the region.

Though the most extreme weather has passed, residents should remain cautious as the region continues to experience gusty conditions into today, Jan. 9. These ongoing winds, though not as strong as earlier in the week, combined with low humidity, have extended the red flag warning for fire danger through this evening. The National Weather Service advises that fire risks remain high, and any new fire ignitions could spread quickly due to critically dry conditions.

These weather conditions can cause power outages, and they may prompt Southern California Edison (SCE) to declare a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) to prevent wildfires. Residents are encouraged to monitor the SCE Outage Center for details on potential outages and estimated restoration times. Proactive planning and awareness can help minimize disruptions caused by these conditions.

San Bernardino County agencies have been actively responding to this wind event. The county’s Office of Emergency Services activated its Emergency Operations Center earlier in the week to coordinate recovery efforts. County Fire strike teams, along with Public Works crews, addressed incidents ranging from downed trees to snow removal in the mountain communities of Big Bear and Wrightwood, which received unexpected snowfall on Monday.

For the most updated information on the high wind event, visit the county’s Extreme Wind Event Page. Explore safety tips, preparation guides and local resources to stay aware, vigilant and ready.

Sign up for emergency alerts

To quickly communicate information on impending dangers, the San Bernardino County Sheriff and County Fire send high-speed mass notifications via telephone and text messages through the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) system. Sign up for TENS to receive emergency alerts on your phone.

High wind safety tips

Safety tips for your home

Secure outdoor objects like furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that could blow away and cause damage.
Trim tree branches away from your home and power lines.
Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures and secure loose roofing materials.
Make sure you have sufficient water, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries in case of power outages. Charge phones and medical devices in advance.
Tune in to local weather forecasts and bulletins through the National Weather Service, NOAA Weather Radio or local news.
Sign up for notifications through your energy provider or local emergency systems like San Bernardino County’s TENS system.

Safety tips for being outside

Stay indoors during high winds unless absolutely necessary.
If you are outside, find shelter immediately. Stay away from trees, power lines and flying debris.
Take cover next to a building or under a sturdy shelter if caught outside.
Watch for falling tree limbs and loose street signs or objects that may fall from balconies.
Avoid anything touching downed power lines, including vehicles or tree branches. Wet or snow-covered ground can conduct electricity.

Safety tips for downed power lines (Advice from Southern California Edison)

Never touch a fallen power line. Call 911 and the power company to report fallen power lines.
Do not drive through standing water if downed power lines are in the water.
If you’re in a vehicle with a fallen power line on it, stay in the vehicle and remain calm until help arrives. It is safe to use your cellphone to call 911.
If you must leave the vehicle, exit by jumping away with both feet together, ensuring you do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Once on the ground, shuffle away without lifting your feet until you are several yards away.
Avoid stepping into or entering any water that a downed power line may be touching.

Safety tips for driving

Keep both hands on the wheel and reduce your speed to maintain control.
Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and keep a safe distance from vehicles in adjacent lanes, as strong winds can push them out of their path.
Avoid driving behind or near high-profile vehicles, such as trucks, vans, SUVs or trailers, as they are more prone to being pushed or flipped by wind gusts.
If winds are too severe to drive safely, pull onto the shoulder of the road, away from trees or tall structures. Stay in your vehicle and turn on hazard lights until conditions improve.
Stick to the speed limit, avoid hard braking, and stay alert to road hazards that could impede visibility.

Resources

National Weather Service – Weather and Hazards Data Viewer
Southern California Edison –
- Outage specific customer service issues: 800-611-1911
- Billing and service inquiries: 800-684-8123
- Maps showing PSPS boundaries and locations of about Community Resource Centers and Community Crew Vehicles: https://www.sce.com/outage-center/check-outage-status
- General information on PSPS: sce.com/psps
- De-energization and restoration policies: sce.com/pspsdecisionmaking
- Information on emergency preparedness, customer notifications, customer programs and other resources: sce.com/wildfire
- Seven-day PSPS forecasts: https://www.sce.com/wildfire/weather-awareness
- Fire and weather detection map https://www.sce.com/wildfire/situational-awareness
- Air Quality Alert – Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory. Strong Santa Ana winds will cause high particle pollution levels in parts of the Inland Empire, Los Angeles County and Orange County. AQMD – Home
211 – call 211 for health and social services resources

Additional County Update News – Jan. 9, 2025