BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Gusty winds are expected to sweep through the Central Valley, with speeds potentially reaching up to 45 miles per hour. The California Highway Patrol has issued a warning to drivers about the hazardous conditions.
“If you are planning to drive through the 58 or the I-5, know when to stop if the winds become too dangerous,” said Jorge Toro of the California Highway Patrol. “Find a safe place to pull over and wait it out. Avoid stopping like on bridges or next to large trees. And the most important one is, don’t pull over on the freeway and stop on the shoulder. Make sure that you exit, find a rest stop, because it’s never safe to stop on the shoulder of a freeway.”
The Kern County Fire Department is also on high alert due to the increased risk of wildfires. Engineer Jonathan Drucker explained the impact of winds on wildfires, noting that they dry out vegetation, making it more susceptible to fires…