Forecast of Potentially Dangerous Wind Storm Prompts Emergency Alerts From City of Pasadena

The City of Pasadena has issued an emergency alert for severe winds and heightened fire danger expected to impact the area from Tuesday, January 7, through Wednesday, January 8.

Strong winds, ranging from 30 to 50 mph with widespread gusts between 60 to 80, with isolated gusts between 80 to 100 mph are possible, the City said in a statement.

Pasadena emergency officials are urging the community to take steps now to ensure their safety.

Combined with dry conditions, the winds may create hazardous situations, including an increased risk of wildfires, downed trees, and power outages.

The City’s emergency response departments have mobilized in advance of the dangerous conditions.

“The Pasadena Fire, Police, Water and Power, and Public Works Departments are on heightened alert and ready to respond to any emergencies related to the high winds,” City officials announced. “Crews are conducting pre-storm assessments of trees, utility lines, and roadways to minimize potential hazards.”

A residential wood-burning ban has been implemented throughout the South Coast Air Basin, though exemptions apply to homes relying on wood as their sole heat source, low-income households, and residences without natural gas service.

City officials are directing residents to take immediate preparatory actions, including securing outdoor furniture and decorations, ensuring windows and doors are properly fastened, and preparing emergency kits with food, water, medications, and other essentials to last 72 hours.

For detailed emergency kit guidance, residents can visit Ready.gov/Kit.

The City emphasizes avoiding outdoor activities during peak wind periods, especially near trees and power lines. Officials stress to never touch or approach downed power lines, and advise against driving during periods of intense wind gusts, noting that high winds are particularly hazardous for high-profile vehicles and may cause debris or fallen trees to block roads.

To maintain public safety awareness, Pasadena has activated multiple emergency notification systems.

Residents are encouraged to register for the Pasadena Local Emergency Alert System (PLEAS) to receive voice, email and/or text emergency notifications, which are sent only during imminent danger requiring evacuation.

Additional registrations are recommended for the Alert LA County mass notification system and Nixle, which serves as the primary notification system for the Pasadena Police Department.

Residents can register at Nixle.com to receive alerts by text message and/or email, or opt in by texting their ZIP code to 888777.

The City has established an emergency response hotline at (626) 744-4673 for reporting power outages, while downed power lines should be reported to 911.

Residents can access real-time outage information at PWPWeb.com/OutageMap and stay alert to City of Pasadena social media posts and posted signs in neighborhoods regarding Red Flag Conditions.

For more official information, residents can visit at CityOfPasadena.net; follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook; or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.