by Mick Rhodes | editor@claremont-courier.com

Daylight has exposed the messy, but apparently not life- or property-threatening aftermath of Tuesday evening’s powerful winds. Trees are down throughout Claremont, and widespread power outages have been reported in northern portions of the city, but thus far no loss of life has been reported.

Trees are down on Foothill Boulevard just east of Indian Hill, on College Avenue just south of Foothill, Memorial Park, Lewis Park, and in June Vail Park, where officials caution people to stay away due to possible danger from falling branches.

A high wind warning from the National Weather Service remains in effect until 6 p.m. today, with north to northeast winds 30 to 50 mph with widespread gusts between 60 and 80 mph expected, and isolated gusts between 80 and 100 mph possible.

That Claremont is relatively unscathed is in stark contrast to the rest of Southern California, where wind-whipped fires have left two people dead and destroyed more than 1,000 homes, businesses, and buildings in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Altadena, and Sylmar. Iconic Malibu businesses such as Reel Inn have been lost. Malibu’s Getty Villa has been impacted, but has not burned, according to fire officials.

The high winds predicted for Southern California arrived Tuesday morning, with roaring gusts flexing trees, blowing leaves, and tinkling wind chimes before picking up velocity after sundown.

The Courier will update this story as more information becomes available.

High winds took out a portion of this tree in Memorial Park on Tuesday. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger

High winds Tuesday evening felled a large tree onto Foothill Boulevard just east of Indian Hill. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger

Crews work Tuesday evening to clear a felled tree at Foothill Boulevard just east of Indian Hill. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger

Palm trees along Padua Avenue sway Tuesday afternoon as winds up to 48 mph buffeted Claremont. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger

The winds didn’t stop Kevin Pham and his 3-year-old daughter, Josephine, from trying to fly a kite at June Vail Park on Tuesday afternoon. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger

Pine needles line Moab Drive in Claremont Tuesday afternoon as strong winds up to 48 mph swept through the area. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger