High wind forecast: 'It isn't over yet'

High winds that peaked at nearly 100 mph have wreaked havoc across Southern California and are expected to continue through the morning, die down briefly in the afternoon, then kick back up again Thursday evening and through the night.

"It isn't over yet," said National Weather Service specialist Stuart Seto. "But it looks like its been about 10 years since we've had weather patterns like this."

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A high-wind advisory and red-flag warnings remain in effect through Friday, the National Weather Service said.

The peak gust was 97 mph, reported at Whitaker Peak on Wednesday night. On Thursday morning, the highest recorded gusts were also at Whitaker Peak at 61 mph, Seto said.

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Seto said gusts are forecast to reach highs of 80 mph in mountain areas and 60 mph along the coast Thursday night into Friday morning.

The high-wind warning is expected to be lifted at noon Friday along the coast and in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys. The warning will extend until 3 p.m. Friday in the mountains and the city of Santa Clarita.

FULL COVERAGE: California windstorm

All red-flag warnings are in effect until Friday at 6 p.m.

Seto said that conditions will "remain breezy" through at least Wednesday, but winds will fall below the warning category as the week progresses.

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-- Matt Stevens

Photo: A tree branch falls across a street in the Sunnyslope neighborhood of Pasadena. Credit: Kristin Winton / For the Times