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Heavy Winds Causing Problems; CAL FIRE Increasing Staffing

SACRAMENTO(CBS13) – Heavy winds are causing problems across the valley, with the peak gusts yet to hit.

Fierce winds of up to 80 mph are expected to batter parts of California Wednesday, with the peak of the fall windstorm expected to begin early Thursday and continue through Friday. The National Weather Service has issued a high-wind advisory through 6 p.m. on Thursday.

›› Watch Laura Skirde's Wednesday evening forecast

But the heavy winds are already wreaking havoc in the Sacramento and Stockton area. The winds have toppled trees, power lines and entire lots of Christmas trees. The highest gust recorded thus far Wednesday was 52 mph in Stockton. Gusts in Sacramento have reached 36 mph.

A family of four has been displaced from a home on the 3500 block of 53rd Street in Sacramento after high winds caused part of a large tree to fall on the roof, making the home uninhabitable. The Red Cross is providing the family with emergency lodging.

Sacramento home damaged by tree
High wind caused part of a tree to fall on a home in Sacramento. (credit: The American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter)

CAL FIRE is increasing its coverage statewide to three engines per unit in anticipation of the winds, according to CAL FIRE spokesperson Daniel Berlant.

"The recent devastating wildland fire in Reno,Nevada is a reminder that fires can burn during the winter months even when temperatures are low," said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. "With the strong winds forecasted, the fire danger will increase in many areas and we will have extra firefighters on duty so that we can respond to any new wildfires that may ignite."

CAL FIRE says people in possible fire areas should be prepared and can review "Ready, Set, Go" procedures at www.ReadyForWildfirelorg .

Residents in the Sierra Foothills should be extra cautious. CAL Fire Unit Chief Kelly Keenan says fire danger there has increased dramatically.

"Burning has been temporarily suspended in the Amador-El Dorado Unit of CAL FIRE through Dec. 1. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to check their old burn piles and make sure they are out.  Winds can cause old burn piles that are smoldering to reignite and burn actively causing fire to spread quickly" Keenan said.

The weather service says driving will be treacherous for big rigs and other high-profile vehicles, especially on mountain passes and bridges. The winds are also expected to make conditions on Lake Tahoe dangerous.

In the valley, blowing dust and sand could make driving difficult.

Southern California should also brace for winds that could reach 80 mph in the mountain passes. The infamous Santa Ana winds could be the worst they've seen in 10 years.

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