Every fall, Azusa homeowners start watching the forecast for a familiar warning: Santa Ana winds. These hot, dry gusts can arrive with little notice, roaring down from the San Gabriel Mountains and through the canyons above the city. For homes along the foothills, a single windstorm can bring down trees, damage roofs, knock out power and raise the risk of wildfire in a matter of hours.

With Santa Ana season underway, here is how these winds damage homes in Rosedale, North Azusa and Mountain Cove, and what you can do to protect your property.

What Are Santa Ana Winds?

Santa Ana winds form when high pressure builds over the Great Basin and pushes air toward the coast. As the air flows down through mountain passes and canyons, it compresses, warms and dries out, often reaching very high speeds. Santa Ana season generally runs from fall through early spring, with many of the strongest events occurring between October and January.

Azusa's location at the mouth of San Gabriel Canyon, with neighborhoods built right up against the foothills, puts many local homes directly in the path of these gusts.

What the San Gabriel Valley Has Already Seen

In late 2011, a severe windstorm tore through the San Gabriel Valley, toppling trees onto homes, snapping power poles and leaving many residents without power for days. Several nearby cities, including Glendora, Monrovia and Pasadena, declared local emergencies, and the Azusa Unified School District canceled classes.

In January 2025, the region faced one of the most powerful Santa Ana wind events since that 2011 storm. The winds knocked out power to tens of thousands of Southern California Edison customers, triggered public safety power shutoffs and helped drive the Eaton Fire, which destroyed more than 9,400 structures in Altadena and Pasadena.

How Santa Ana Winds Damage Azusa Homes

• Falling trees and limbs. Large trees, especially those weakened by drought, can fall onto roofs, patios, fences and vehicles.
• Roof damage. Strong gusts can lift, crack or tear away tiles and shingles, damage flashing and leave openings for rain to enter later in the season.
• Broken windows and doors. Flying debris can shatter glass and damage garage doors, sliding doors and screens.
• Fences, patio covers and outdoor structures. Wind can topple fences, rip off patio covers and awnings, and damage solar panels and satellite equipment.
• Dust and debris intrusion. Fine dust and debris can work their way into attics, vents, HVAC systems and living spaces.
• Power outages. Downed lines and public safety power shutoffs can leave homes without power, affecting refrigerators, medical devices and sump or pool pumps.
• Wildfire risk. Hot, dry winds can quickly spread fire and carry embers far ahead of the flames, putting foothill homes at greater risk.

Why Foothill Neighborhoods Face Greater Risk

Neighborhoods such as Rosedale, North Azusa and Mountain Cove sit close to the San Gabriel Mountains, where winds often accelerate as they come out of the canyons. Many homes in these areas border open hillsides and brush, which increases exposure to blowing debris, embers and smoke. Mature trees that add beauty and shade can also become hazards when gusts are strong enough to snap limbs or uproot them.

How to Prepare Before the Next Windstorm

• Have trees inspected and trimmed by a certified arborist, and remove dead or weakened limbs, especially those hanging over your roof.
• Inspect your roof for loose or damaged tiles and shingles, and make repairs before the season peaks.
• Secure or store patio furniture, umbrellas, trash cans and other items that can become flying debris.
• Clear gutters, roofs and the area around your home of dry leaves and brush to reduce ember risk.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts and Southern California Edison outage and power shutoff notifications.
• Keep flashlights, batteries, a charged phone power bank, water and essential medications on hand.
• Take dated photos of your home and property so you have a record before any damage occurs.

What to Do After Wind Damage

Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately. Once it is safe, check your home for roof damage, broken windows and fallen trees, and photograph everything before making repairs. Cover openings with tarps or boards to prevent further damage, and contact your insurance company as soon as possible. A professional restoration company can help with tree removal coordination, board-up and tarping, debris cleanup and repairs, and can help keep a wind-damaged roof from turning into water damage when the rains arrive.

Local Help When You Need It

ServiceMaster by T.A. Russell provides storm and wind damage restoration for homeowners in Azusa, Glendora, Covina, Duarte, Monrovia and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley. Our team is available 24/7, every day of the year, and we are backed by a national brand with more than 65 years of experience. We can also help you navigate the insurance process.

Dealing with wind damage at your Azusa home? Contact ServiceMaster by T.A. Russell any time, day or night.