National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued a high wind warning in California for Friday night, warning residents of strong winds that could cause power outages.
Strong winds are expected to whip through California through Friday night as a storm system moves through the area. NWS senior meteorologist Victor Proton told Newsweek that the winds are associated with the same system that is expected to arrive in the central U.S. on Saturday—the second in a two-pronged, multi-day event—and bring severe thunderstorms and tornado threat with it.
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Meteorologists warned that westward winds are expected to blow at 30 to 50 miles per hour, with some gusts reaching 70 miles per hour on the Mojave Desert slopes.
"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected," the NWS warning said. "Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."
Snow is expected in some of the high elevation Sierra Nevada Mountains, although Proton said that this type of storm is normal for this time of year. Strong thunderstorms will accompany the winds as they move through the southern Sierra Nevada mountains on Friday afternoon, NWS Hanford posted on X, formerly Twitter.
"There is potential for a few strong thunderstorms Friday afternoon in the Sierra Nevada, with the potential for storms extending into the foothills and eastern San Joaquin Valley," the office posted on X. "In additions to lightning, there is the risk for strong winds and small hail."
There is potential for a few strong thunderstorms Friday afternoon in the Sierra Nevada, with the potential for storms extending into the foothills and eastern San Joaquin Valley. In additions to lightning, there is the risk for strong winds and small hail. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/sj2bOZ9H1C
— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) April 25, 2024
A graphic attached to the post revealed the areas with the strongest risk of thunderstorms in the Hanford region included Shaver Lake, Lake Thomas Edison, Oakhurst, Mariposa, Wawona, Yosemite Valley, Tioga Pass and Hetch Hetchy.
The NWS warning urged people to remain in the lower levels of their home during the windstorm and to avoid windows.
"Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive."
The warning was issued late Wednesday night. As of Thursday morning, approximately 7,700 people were without power in California.
AccuWeather meteorologists have issued a report warning that millions of people will be at risk with severe—and possibly fatal—thunderstorms moving through the central U.S. from Thursday to Saturday. The incoming storm is touted as "one of the most widespread severe weather events so far in 2024", with meteorologists warning that it "will unleash tornadoes, hard-hitting hail and damaging winds across a dozen states."
The first storm will arrive on Thursday, closely followed by the second system. The severe weather is expected to last throughout the weekend and will bring a "significant risk to lives and property" with it, according to the report.
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