Powerful Santa Ana Wind Looms (VIDEO)

A frigid air mass this weekend could reach coastal areas of the Northwest, producing the lowest temperatures so far this winter.

Photo and video: Accuweather.com

(SALEM, Ore) - Weather forecasters report that the Pacific Northwest will enjoy a break from the constant parade of storms the next couple of days, while southern California residents brace for a strong Santa Ana wind event Wednesday into Thursday.

Gusty winds across the northern Rockies are the result of the clash of high pressure off the Pacific coast and a low over Canada's Prairies.

Rain and mountain snow fell Monday night in Washington and northern Oregon. Through tonight, heavy snow will shift southward through the northern and central Rockies.

Storms will avoid the Pacific Northwest the next several days, but episodes of snow will target the Rockies and high Plains.

The Severe Weather Center lists the storm-related warnings and advisories in effect across the Intermountain West. The heavy snow in the Northwest has sent the avalanche danger to an extreme level.

Northerly winds will move into Southern California on Wednesday. Gusts topping 80 mph are forecast from late Wednesday into Thursday as winds shift to a northeasterly direction. The gusty winds will buffet the canyons and passes of the Inland Empire, northern Los Angeles and Ventura counties. However, blustery conditions will also emerge along portions of the coast.

High wind watches are in already in effect in Southern California. AccuWeather.com West Coast Expert Meteorologist Ken Clark reports that the strongest winds will develop Wednesday night.

A triple shot of arctic air will move into the Plains through the balance of the week and the weekend, as discussed in the Midwest Regional News. A frigid air mass this weekend could reach coastal areas of the Northwest, producing the lowest temperatures so far this winter.

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