Strong Santa Ana winds affected some San Diegans trying to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday at the beach and also created fire threats for the rest of the county Thursday.
The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for the coast from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday. Impacted areas face northeast winds of 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph.
By noon, the winds were so strong, six kayakers became stranded at sea. San Diego Fire-Rescue spokesperson Jose Ysea said. Lifeguards were called to help another dozen or more people over the course of the afternoon who were unable to return to shore on their own. Everyone affected was brought to shore safely and did not need additional medical attention.
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As far as inland regions go, winds 30 to 40 mph will make for breezy conditions as isolated gusts of up to 70 mph could pass through the foothills and mountain passes. These winds will pick up as the day progresses.
San Diego County's strongest wind gusts, as of the NWS' latest report at 10:40 a.m. Thursday, were recorded at Sill Hill (85 mph), Cuyamaca Peak (74 mph), and Crestwood (74 mph). East Willows saw a gust of 70 mph at 9:10 a.m., and Apline recorded a gust of 63 mph at 8:52 a.m. El Cajon mountain recorded a gust of 51 mph at 7:15 a.m. See NWS gust report here.
“That offshore wind will be developing into tomorrow,” NBC 7 Meteorologist Sheena Parveen said in her forecast.
At this time, an area of high pressure resting over Utah is expected to bring these gusty conditions to our region. The Santa Ana winds will be paired with dry conditions.
“The fire threat tomorrow is also going to be elevated with this,” Parveen warned.
The county could be given some relief early next week as a storm is expected to take aim for San Diego on Monday and possibly into Tuesday.
