The National Weather Service has issued a warning for Santa Ana Winds over the next few days.

Beginning tonight, a weather system will be settling into place that is expected to create wind gusts of 60 miles per hour in Los Angeles and up to 80 miles per hour in the mountains. The winds are expected to peak from late tonight through Friday morning, and get gradually less intense over the weekend.

If you’re hiking during this time, take extra caution and be aware of your surroundings. There are threats of downed trees and branches and blown debris while you’re on the trail (not to mention potentially getting blown off the trail itself), and strong gusts against your car while driving to the trailhead, too.

As for me, I’m just hoping my bike ride home from work tonight doesn’t turn into a scene out of E.T.

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by Casey Schreiner

Founder and Editor of Modern Hiker, Author of "Day Hiking Los Angeles." "Discovering Griffith Park," and "Cloud Spotting." Walking Meditator, Native Plant Enthusiast.