Earlier today, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a high wind warning for Santa Barbara County that will go into effect at 6 p.m. tonight and extend until 3 a.m. Wednesday morning – northwest-to-north winds are expected to reach 30-40 mph with wind gusts of 60 miles per hour. According to the NWS, a high wind warning is issued when winds speeds are predicted to reach sustained speeds of at least 40 miles per hour or sporadic gusts of 58 miles per hour or more; such velocity has the potential to cause property damage – or, in the case of weather earlier this week, drive a wildfire.
The strongest winds are predicted to blow westward through San Marcos Pass, including in and around the Gaviota pass, but are likely to diminish by later tonight. The weather event will be monitored closely by firefighters and officials who continue to battle the Jesusita Fire.