High Wind — Santa Barbara County South Coast, California

2008-11-13 · Santa Barbara County South Coast, California

Event narrative

Strong and gusty northerly winds affected the foothill areas south of the Santa Ynez range in southern Santa Barbara county. The RAWS sensor at Montecito reported sustained winds between 40 and 55 MPH with gusts as high as 72 MPH.

Wider weather episode

An extended period of offshore winds affected Southern California. North to northeast wind gusts in excess of 65 MPH were reported in some areas. The strong winds, combined with very dry conditions, helped fuel two significant wildfires. The Tea Fire, near Montecito in Santa Barbara county, burned 1,940 acres. The Sayre Fire, north of Sylmar in Los Angeles county, burned 11,262 acres. Both fires produced significant loss of residences.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 141530. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.