West LA Times

UCLA is preparing for an intense Santa Ana wind event, described by experts as one of the most powerful of the season. The university's facilities management and emergency operations are taking steps to mitigate potential damage from these winds, which have been likened to an "atmospheric blow dryer" capable of turning vegetation into fire-ready fuel.

The UCLA fire team will patrol the campus overnight to monitor for fire hazards, while crews watch for fallen trees or branches. Event and transit teams are securing signage ahead of a men's basketball game against the University of Michigan.

Professor Alex Hall, director of UCLA’s Sustainable LA Grand Challenge, emphasized the wildfire threat posed by these winds: “Today’s life-threatening windstorm shows just how quickly extraordinarily dangerous conditions can arise." He noted that Southern California has had a hot summer with little precipitation during its usual wet season. This follows two rainy years that have left ample fuel for wildfires. Hall warned that such winds could rapidly escalate small sparks into large fires.

Hall stated, “Whether we like it or not, the nature of wildfire in Southern California is changing," stressing the need for improved strategies to reduce ignitions and protect human life and property. He highlighted UCLA's research efforts aimed at helping policymakers prepare communities for climate change realities.

Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA specializing in extreme weather, discussed the windstorm's implications: “It really does look like the worst of this is going to be in the middle of the night Tuesday night into early morning on Wednesday." Swain predicted widespread strong winds reaching urban areas like downtown Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley with gusts potentially hitting 80 or 90 mph.

Swain added that prolonged winds would dry out vegetation further over several days, increasing fire risk: “This will probably affect more people more substantively than a major rainstorm in many ways.” He warned about possible road closures and power outages affecting hundreds of thousands or even millions.