80 MPH Los Angeles Winds Knock over 50 Electric Poles
Posted on May 23, 2012 Written By: iadminlaw
Severe California weather threatens the safety of Californians yet again; this time, in the form of powerful high speed winds. The high speed winds made their way through Los Angeles and Antelope Valley desert areas toppling electrical poles and increasing the chances of fire. These conditions pose a danger to highway travelers where the risks are more likely to increase. Driving at night in these areas require extreme caution, and if possible should be avoided.
At least fifty utility poles were toppled over by the intense gusts on Wednesday. While injuries regarding toppled utility poles have not been reported, vehicles run the extreme risk of being hit by them. Some of these poles measure upwards of two stories high and can weigh anywhere from half a ton to two. Were one of these poles to fall on a moving vehicle, its contents would be smashed. They can also fall at night when drivers are less likely to see them. The wires pose a chance electrocution on contact. There is enough voltage in the wires to severely or even kill a human.
Vehicles traveling at highway speeds at night may not have enough time to react to these falling hazards increasing the probability of a crash and cause a chain-reaction-type of accident. The National Weather Service officially reported an 80 mph gust on Whitaker Peak Mountains near Interstate-5 on Wednesday.
This weather can cause large trailers to roll over and blow smaller vehicles onto adjacent lanes. If you get into an accident, you have the right to compensation. Consider hiring a Los Angeles car accident lawyer who can represent you and help you get the settlement you deserve.
Advisories and high wind warnings were issued throughout Southern California. They went into effect Thursday morning for Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys along with the Greater Los Angeles mountainous areas, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
Fire risk increases with the immensity of the winds and the lack of humidity in the atmosphere. Santa Barbara County is mostly susceptible to these conditions. Its location makes it ideal for high winds and low humidity to combine and create a fire. Hence the posting of red flag warnings posted through the southern area of Santa Barbara County to remind people of the incendiary risks.
Repairing the fallen utility poles will not be an easy task for Southern California Edison. The last time something similar happened in a residential area it took them over a week to restore power, remove the fallen poles and replace some of them. People affected by this resorted to living in ascetic conditions while others complained. SCE said this time it should take them a matter of days to handle the situation and get it repaired and under control.
Times like these can increase the chances of someone being in an accident. You don’t know when something like this can happen to you or someone you know. If you are in any type of car accident consider calling the Accident Attorney’s Group to represent you. A car accident lawyer knows the adversity you face in times of need and can help you overcome it.