By Reginald Stanley. Posted October 26, 2020, 5:09 PM.

The aftermath of a trough that passed through the region Sunday has left prime conditions for strong Santa Ana Winds to develop Monday and Tuesday. This has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a High Wind Warning through 2 PM Tuesday.

Strong winds began developing early Monday morning, before sunrise. Plummeting humidity levels took hold soon after, and inland valleys were quickly inundated by blowing dust, decreased visibility and poor air quality, caused by the strong winds. The extremely dry conditions coupled with strong winds have sparked wildfires once again across Southern California, the largest of which being the Silverado Fire currently burning in Orange County. Another wildfire, the Blue Ridge Fire, is burning near Yorba Linda. The winds have already caused moderate damage across the region as of Monday afternoon, overturning big rigs and toppling trees and power lines. Peak wind gusts inland have been in the 40-50 MPH range as of Monday afternoon.

The Santa Ana Winds are expected to continue at high intensity through Tuesday afternoon, before weakening. Fair, warmer weather is forecast to take hold later in the week. No rain is currently forecast.