The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Diego has issued a high wind warning for parts of Southern California, indicating "potentially damaging northerly Santa Ana winds" into the afternoon. Gusts ranging between 60 to 80 mph, with isolated gusts reaching around 90 mph, are anticipated along and below the coastal slopes of the Santa Ana Mountains and San Bernardino County mountains. The NWS warned that these winds could diminish late this afternoon and into the night, while "periods of breezy offshore winds will continue this weekend," reports NWS Forecast Office San Diego.

Alongside the high winds, the weather office forecasts isolated showers beginning on Thursday in the San Diego Mountains, with chances increasing for many inland areas by Friday and Saturday. "The most likely time for more widespread rainfall with greater rainfall amounts is on Friday afternoon," the NWS advised. Showers and potential thunderstorms are predicted to be most probable for mountains, and inland valleys mainly on Friday afternoon and again Saturday afternoon. The service also notes, a slight chance for one inch or more of rainfall in these areas.

The NWS has alerted the public via Twitter, urging people to report any damage caused by the strong winds. "Northerly Santa Ana winds continue to strengthen with the strongest gusts through 4:30 AM to around 65 mph," shared the NWS account. They emphasized that the most intense and widespread winds were expected after sunrise, as indicated in a tweet from @NWSSanDiego.

Northerly Santa Ana winds continue to strengthen with the strongest gusts through 4:30 AM to around 65 mph. The strongest and most widespread winds are expected after sunrise. Have you seen any damage from the winds so far? #cawx pic.twitter.com/hLMUpOtc9d

— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) March 14, 2024

Marine conditions are also affected, with a Small Craft Advisory in effect until 3 PM PDT due to northeast winds 15 to 25 kt, gusting up to 30 kt — mainly from San Mateo Point to San Clemente Island, source: NWS Forecast Office San Diego. As the situation progresses the NWS encourages the use of its Skywarn network, although "Skywarn activation is not requested," individuals spotting significant weather conditions are encouraged to report.

Residents and travelers in the affected regions are advised to exercise caution, stay updated on the latest weather forecasts, and prepare for any possible disruptions to travel and outdoor activities. As the Santa Ana winds continue to bear down on Southern California, their impact is a stark reminder of the region's susceptibility to these seasonal meteorological events.