California Santa Ana Wind Advisory Issued as Another Strong Wind Event Targets Southern California Through January 17

California — Another round of Santa Ana winds is impacting Southern California, prompting a wind advisory issued on January 10, 2026, as forecasters monitor a pattern that could bring stronger and more damaging winds again around January 16 into January 17. While today’s event is not expected to be as severe as the recent Thursday and Friday windstorm, meteorologists say wind-prone areas could still experience near-warning-level gusts.

According to Southern California weather analysis, this latest wind event arrives as the region continues recovering from earlier high-wind impacts. Although the overall setup is slightly weaker, conditions remain concerning in Santa Ana wind-prone corridors, particularly near mountain passes, canyons, and foothill communities.

What the Santa Ana Wind Advisory Means for Southern California

The issued advisory highlights elevated offshore winds developing across much of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego counties. Forecast wind intensity maps show moderate to high gust potential, with some zones approaching the upper tiers of wind impact classifications.

Forecasters stress that while widespread catastrophic damage is not expected today, localized impacts remain possible, especially in exposed areas. Gusty winds can still down tree limbs, blow debris, and make driving hazardous for high-profile vehicles.

Areas at Highest Risk During This Wind Event

Wind intensity projections indicate the strongest gusts focused along coastal mountain slopes and interior valleys, including areas near the San Bernardino National Forest, Angeles National Forest, and foothill communities east of Los Angeles.

Southern portions of San Diego County, including inland valleys and terrain near the international border region, are also highlighted for stronger gust potential. Offshore flow extending into coastal waters suggests rough marine conditions and enhanced wind speeds near coastal gaps.

Why Another Stronger Event Around January 17 Is Concerning

Meteorologists monitoring long-range trends say the night of January 16 into January 17 could bring winds stronger than the current event, depending on how pressure gradients evolve. While it is still too early for official warnings, the pattern shows a potential escalation, especially in the most wind-prone zones.

This future setup is being watched closely because it could reach higher tiers on wind gust intensity scales, where:

• Trees may break or uproot
• Power outages become more likely
• Travel becomes dangerous for high-profile vehicles
• Structural damage becomes possible in extreme gusts

Forecasters emphasize that confidence will increase as the event draws closer.

Fire Weather and Power Shutoff Concerns

Santa Ana winds are especially dangerous during dry winter stretches. Even without extreme heat, dry fuels combined with gusty winds significantly elevate fire risk. In stronger wind scenarios, utility providers may consider preventative power shutoffs, particularly in areas meeting wind advisory or warning thresholds.

Residents in fire-prone communities are urged to remain alert, secure loose items, and avoid activities that could spark fires during windy periods.

How Residents Should Prepare Now

Officials recommend that residents across Southern California:

• Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects
• Use caution while driving, especially in high-profile vehicles
• Prepare for possible power interruptions
• Stay updated on evolving forecasts and advisories

Those living in canyon and foothill areas should be especially cautious, as wind speeds can increase rapidly overnight.

What Comes Next in the Pattern

Beyond mid-month, meteorologists are also watching late January into early February for signs of a return to a more active storm pattern. While no storms are confirmed at this time, longer-range guidance suggests a possible shift away from persistent offshore winds. For now, Southern California remains locked in a wind-driven pattern, with multiple Santa Ana episodes possible before any meaningful change arrives.

For continued weather coverage, advisory updates, and clear explanations of evolving patterns across the country, visit NapervilleLocal.com, where we track impactful weather events and explain why they matter to communities nationwide.