LANCASTER (AP) — Strong winds are ripping through parts of Southern California, uprooting trees and power poles.

High wind warnings and advisories will be in effect until early Thursday in the Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys and the mountains of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

Gusts have already hit 65 mph in some areas, but the strongest blasts could come Wednesday night. Isolated gusts of up to 80 mph are possible over some mountains, according to the National Weather Service.

Fifty power poles were knocked down by fierce winds late Tuesday in Lancaster, about 70 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Southern California Edison said it could take days to replace the poles, but only four homes lost power.

Motorists should use caution, especially in desert areas where sand is likely to kick up.

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