High Winds Knock Out Power, Blamed for Fire

RIVERSIDE - The fierce winds that walloped Southern California triggered power outages and at least one fire in western Riverside County, authorities said.

In Quail Valley, just south of Perris, downed electrical lines sparked a blaze at a house in the 23500 block of Kennedy Lane. According to county officials, the 6 a.m. fire caused a small amount of damage to the roof of the residence, but no injuries were reported.

Crews from Southern California Edison repaired lines at the location.

SCE workers were also busy trying to restore power to residents in Menifee. According to a company spokeswoman, the high winds triggered outages in different parts of the city. Sheriff's officials reported traffic signals out along Scott Road, near Interstate 15.

SCE reported 213,255 customers were without power across Southern California.

In Riverside, winds rocked transmission lines shortly before midnight Wednesday, briefly knocking out power to 5,000 homes and businesses, according to Riverside Public Utilities.

About 1,000 RPU customers remained without power into the predawn hours. By 10 this morning, electricity had been restored to all but a couple hundred customers. Electricity was back online for all customers by this afternoon, RPU spokesman Dave Wright told City News Service.

Brisk winds continued to blow in Riverside at midday. Air traffic controllers at the municipal airport reported peak gusts out of the northeast at around 25 mph shortly after 1 p.m.

A red flag warning, signaling an increased risk of wildfire, remained in effect for the region through 3 p.m. Friday.

According to the National Weather Service, the change of weather stems from a strong upper level low pressure system that moved south into the area Wednesday night. The agency also issued a high wind warning for the county until 2 p.m. Friday.

''Winds will peak this morning, weakening slightly during the afternoon and then strengthening again Friday,'' the NWS advised.

The region was expected to have sustained winds of 35-45 mph, with gusts up to 55-65 mph.

''Wind gusts this strong are capable of downing trees and power lines, and blowing over unsecured outdoor objects,'' the weather service stated. ''These winds will also create hazardous conditions for high profile vehicles.''

Visibility will be reduced to less than three miles in areas with blowing dust and sand, according to the agency.