Santa Ana Winds Subside, But San Diego Faces Ongoing Wildfire Threats and Power Outages

San Diego County is emerging from one of the strongest Santa Ana wind events of the season, but the threat of wildfires remains a pressing concern as conditions continue to challenge both residents and emergency services. Although the most intense winds have subsided, humidity levels plummeting below 10% in certain areas keep the risk elevated for potential fire outbreaks. The Santa Ana winds that swept through the region this week reached astonishing gusts, peaking at 95 mph in Sill Hill, a remote mountainous area. Such extreme wind speeds, while not unprecedented, are rare for San Diego's coastal and inland valleys. The gusty easterly winds, which persisted into early Wednesday morning, prompted authorities to maintain a Red Flag Warning until 4 a.m. that day. In light of ongoing fire threats, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) implemented power shutoffs affecting over 46,000 customers as a precautionary measure against potential wildfires. At the height of the outages, more than 51,000 residents were left without power. SDG&E spokespersons indicated that crews are beginning to patrol and restore power in select areas as conditions improve, but restoration efforts will depend on safety inspections and other logistical factors. The power outages have prompted school closures across multiple districts, impacting thousands of students. Districts such as Alpine Union, Dehesa, Borrego Springs Unified, and several others announced cancellations for Wednesday due to the power shutoffs. These closures not only disrupted education but also added to the stress faced by families trying to navigate the unpredictable weather and safety concerns. Despite the high winds, firefighters managed to control two small fires that erupted amid the gusty conditions. One blaze in Ramona burned less than two acres, while a second fire near the U.S.-Mexico border scorched around two dozen acres before crews managed to contain it. Two firefighters sustained injuries while battling the Dulzura wildfire, underscoring the dangers faced by emergency responders during such volatile weather events. As San Diego transitions from the Santa Ana winds, a shift in the weather pattern is anticipated. Meteorologists predict a storm system from the north could bring cooler temperatures and a chance of rain to the area by Thursday. While this change may provide some relief from the fire danger, the recent events serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks posed by California's wildfire season, especially during periods of extreme weather. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as authorities continue to monitor conditions and assess the need for further precautionary measures. With the threat of wildfires lingering, community safety remains a top priority as San Diego navigates the aftermath of this season's powerful winds.