Over 300,000 Warned to Avoid Windows Amid Powerful California Winds

High wind warning issued for Southern California as winter storm brings damaging gusts.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Hundreds of thousands of people across interior Southern California were urged to stay away from windows Thursday as powerful winds tore across the region, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a high wind warning through 9 p.m. PST. The intense winds, part of a broader winter storm sweeping the state, posed risks of falling branches, wind-thrown debris, and sudden gusts, leading officials to advise residents to remain indoors on the lower levels of their homes.

Why it matters

The high winds in Southern California's Antelope Valley and interior mountain areas threatened to topple trees and power lines, potentially leading to widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles. The storm was part of a broader winter system bringing heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada and steady rain to valleys and coastal communities across the state.

The details

The National Weather Service office in Los Angeles issued the high wind warning at 11:09 a.m. PST Thursday, covering the Antelope Valley, Cuyama Valley, interior San Luis Obispo County, the San Luis Obispo County Mountains and the Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains. Forecasters said southwest winds from 25 to 40 mph, with gusts reaching 65 mph, were already hitting some locations by midday, with the strongest bursts expected in the mountains and Antelope Valley. One gust was recorded at 72 mph.

  • The high wind warning was issued at 11:09 a.m. PST on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • The warning remained in effect until 9 p.m. PST on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States.

Lisa Phillips

A meteorologist with the NWS office in Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”

— National Weather Service (Newsweek)

“One gust was recorded at 72 mph.”

— Lisa Phillips, Meteorologist, NWS Los Angeles (Newsweek)

What’s next

The high wind warning was expected to expire at 9 p.m. PST on Thursday, February 19, 2026, as the winds were forecast to gradually ease.

The takeaway

This winter storm highlights the need for residents in Southern California's interior regions to be prepared for powerful winds that can topple trees, down power lines, and make travel hazardous, especially for high-profile vehicles. Heeding weather warnings and taking precautions can help minimize the risks and disruptions posed by these intense wind events.