Windstorm Threatens Southern California This Week

A dangerous windstorm is expected to hit Southern California, especially Los Angeles and Ventura counties, starting Tuesday, January 7th.  

Property managers and real estate professionals should prepare immediately to protect commercial properties. 

What You Need to Know

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning and red flag warning for the region.

The windstorm is expected to begin Tuesday afternoon and intensify through Wednesday, a red flag warning will last through Thursday. 

Sustained winds of 25 to 40 mph are forecast, with gusts potentially reaching 60 to 80 mph in some areas. 

The windstorm will impact a wide area, Pasadena, Burbank, San Fernando, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Simi Valley, Sylmar, Porter Ranch, Altadena, La Crescenta, Malibu, San Gabriel/Santa Susana/Santa Monica mountains and foothills, San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys. See image here for most impacted areas.  

The region will also face a major risk of wildfires, especially on Wednesday. 

How It Impacts You

This windstorm presents several challenges and responsibilities: 

Property Damage: High winds can cause significant damage to buildings, including broken windows, damaged roofs, and even structural collapse. 

Fire Risk: The combination of strong winds and dry conditions creates an extreme fire hazard. Any fire that starts could spread rapidly. 

Power Outages: Prepare for potential widespread power outages due to downed power lines. 

Business Disruption: Your tenants may face operational disruptions, as will you.  

Immediate Actions to Take:  

• Secure loose objects around your properties. 

• Inspect and reinforce windows, doors, and roofing. 

• Review your emergency response plans and ensure all key personnel are briefed. 

• Communicate with tenants about the impending danger and necessary precautions. 

• Check your property insurance policies to understand coverage for wind damage. 

Post-Storm Responsibilities: Be prepared for potential debris removal, repairs, and addressing any water damage that may occur if the building envelope is compromised. 

Long-term Considerations: This event underscores the importance of building resilience into your properties and having comprehensive disaster preparedness plans in place. 

Stay Connected

By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can mitigate risks and better protect your properties and tenants during this dangerous weather event. 

Stay connected with BOMA on the Frontline for news impacting your properties and join our Security and Emergency Preparedness Committee to learn more on how to prepare your property for these types of events.