Strong Wind Gusts Bring Fire Concerns in Southern California

Fire weather warnings will remain in effect through Monday night

Wind speeds are expected to decrease Monday after a weekend when gusts topped 70 mph, but a widespread part of Southern California will remain under a red flag warning as warm, windy and dry conditions continue.

Los Angeles fire officials have deployed additional firefighters to potentially hazardous fire areas as Santa Ana winds bring significant gusts Monday in Southern California. Most of Los Angeles and Ventura counties are under a fire weather warning because of expected strong winds and low humidity through 8 p.m. on Monday.

Gusts in the mountains might reach speeds of 60 mph. Valley gusts are expected to reach 50 mph.

Winds are not expected to be as intense as during the weekend, when gusts topped 70 mph in some parts of Southern California. In Simi Valley, winds knocked over a car dealership's inflatable bounce house.

"The winds have been strongest through the Santa Clarita Valley," said NBC4 forecaster Crystal Egger. "Make sure you secure loose items."

A freeze warning was also issued for the Antelope Valley, including Lancaster and Palmdale, starting Monday night through 9 a.m. Tuesday.

In Los Angeles, additional firefighters were deployed at neighborhood fire stations in "high hazard brush areas," the department said.

Temperatures will be in the high-70s in downtown Los Angeles and 80s in inland areas. Winds speeds are expected to decrease later this week and some parts of the region might receive rainfall.

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