By Jim Purpura. Posted November 30, 2011, 10:00 AM.

The first significant Santa Ana wind event of the fall season, and possibly the strongest event in several years, is unfolding for Simi Valley and Ventura County.

A storm system is forecast to take an track from the north to along the California/Nevada border. This type of storm is named an "inside slider" for its inside track. It usually lacks the rich moisture of weather systems that have a long track over the Pacific. They are often quite cold with low snow levels. This storm system is also expected to bring strong Santa Ana winds.

Greatest impacts will likely begin tonight with northeast facing valleys and canyons having the highest winds. Simi Valley could see potentially damaging winds gusts of 60 mph. The ridgetops of mountains in Ventura County could see 70-80 mph winds. Winds will begin to diminish briefly Thursday evening. A second burst of strong winds are expected late Thursday night into Friday afternoon. The system will be dry in Simi Valley, with any rain or snow well to the east.

Remember weather observations, including wind speeds, for Simi Valley are updated every 1 minute, so please check back often.

Jim Purpura

Meteorologist, WeatherCurrents.com

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