SOUTHLAND – (INT) – Back-to-back blasts of Santa Ana winds are keeping residents and motorists on edge.

Forecasters are warning of gale-force winds especially in the foothills and below the passes and canyons.

Blowing dust could obscure visibility for motorists. Trucks will be targets of the highest gusts.

Forecaster James Brotherton at the National Weather Service says there’s another concern.

“The combination of very low humidity with the strong winds will create conditions for extreme wildfire behavior.”

Calfire has staffed extra hand crews. Fire trucks, bulldozers and air tankers are on standby ready for a quick response.

The powerful winds should blow themselves out by late Wednesday. That will leave Thanksgiving sunny, warm and dry.

Changes could be coming, though, next week.

Story Date: November 26, 2014