Southern California wind forecast: High surf and fire risk this weekend

"The strongest gusts are predicted to blow Friday night and Saturday along the Interstate 5 corridor, the northwestern Antelope Valley and the Santa Ynez Mountains, according to the National Weather Service. There's a 70% chance gusts could reach 40 to 55 mph in these areas, and a 20% chance they'll hit 60 mph or higher, forecasters said."

"Soils and vegetation have begun to dry out following the tail end of the region's rainy season, which means the winds could create elevated fire weather conditions, with brief periods of critical risk in some areas, said Mike Wofford, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. Still, there's likely a month or two to go before fuels become critically dry and primed to spread large fires, he said."

"Winds are forecast to increase to gale force levels Friday afternoon and continue through Sunday, with local storm force gusts possible late Saturday afternoon and evening for the outer waters from the Central Coast to San Nicolas Island, forecasters said. The dangerous sea conditions could capsize or damage both small and large vessels, the weather service warned."

"Gale warnings are in effect this weekend for outer waters, the inner waters along the Central Coast and the Santa Barbara Channel, forecasters said. The weather service issued high surf advisories from 3 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Monday for beaches in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara"

Strong winds are expected Friday and Saturday across Southern California, with the highest gusts predicted along the Interstate 5 corridor, the northwestern Antelope Valley, and the Santa Ynez Mountains. A 70% chance exists for gusts of 40 to 55 mph in these areas, with a 20% chance of gusts reaching 60 mph or higher. The Central Coast is expected to see gusts of 30 to 40 mph on Saturday and Sunday. Drying soils and vegetation after the rainy season may produce elevated fire weather conditions with brief periods of critical risk. Gale warnings are in effect for outer and inner waters, and high surf advisories run from Friday afternoon through Monday morning, with dangerous seas capable of damaging or capsizing vessels.

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