Wind gusts up to 60 mph could hit Murrieta's foothills Thursday and Friday as a Santa Ana wind event sweeps through Southern California.

The National Weather Service's San Diego office issued a high wind watch Tuesday for the Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills, The Press-Enterprise reported. The watch takes effect at 6 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, and runs through 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.

The NWS forecasts northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph in the foothills zone. Nearby Riverside County valleys could see gusts up to 55 mph, with 60-plus mph gusts near coastal-facing foothills.

The agency also listed a fire weather watch as an active hazard alongside the wind watch. The NWS said Santa Ana winds will bring hot, dry conditions to the region late this week, with winds expected to peak late Thursday through Friday night.

This is a separate weather event from Tropical Storm Rachel, which brought heavy rain and flooding to southwest Riverside County on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11. As we reported Oct. 11, that storm prompted flood advisories across the area.

What residents should know

The NWS warned that damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles such as trucks and trailers.

The NWS recommends residents prepare by:

  • Trimming tree branches away from houses and power lines
  • Securing loose gutters, shutters and outdoor items
  • Charging cell phones and weather radios
  • Updating emergency kits with three days of food and water per person

Residents in mobile homes should identify a sturdy building they can reach if the watch is upgraded to a high wind warning, according to the NWS San Diego office.

After winds subside, the NWS advises staying away from downed power lines and reporting them to police.

No statement from Murrieta Fire & Rescue addressing this specific wind event had been released as of Tuesday afternoon. Southern California Edison had not announced any Public Safety Power Shutoff plans tied to the watch.

The NWS may upgrade the watch to a warning as the event approaches. Residents can track updates on the NWS San Diego website or by calling 858-675-8700.