Wind advisory active for 5 Freeway north of LA until Tuesday morning

• September 29, 2026

5 Freeway north of LA is under a wind advisory which was released by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 1:53 a.m. The advisory is in effect until 6 a.m.

The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA informs, “North winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts of 30 to 45 mph expected.”

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” according to the NWS. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects.”

The full list of affected locations includes:

• 5 Freeway corridor near Santa Clarita
• Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast
• Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast
• Santa Ynez Mountains Western Range
• Santa Ynez Mountains Eastern Range
• Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains
• Southern Ventura County Mountains
• Northern Ventura County Mountains

High wind alerts: Your guide to safety

When it comes to high wind alerts, understanding the levels of risk is crucial. The NWS classifies them into three distinct categories:

High wind warning: Take action.

Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.

Wind advisory: Take action.

Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning. Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.

High wind watch: Be prepared.

Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you’re not caught outside.

How to prepare before strong winds approach

• Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
• Secure loose gutters and shutters.
• Identify an interior room of your house, such as a basement or interior bathroom, that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings.
• If you live in a mobile home, identify a sturdy building you can go to if the NWS issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm warning.
• Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and booster packs, weather radios and power tools such as a reciprocating saw, which you might need to clear debris.
• Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home.
• Make a list of items outside your home you will need to tie down or put away so that they don’t blow away or fly through a window. When the NWS issues a high wind watch, immediately secure these items to avoid damage or injury once the wind starts picking up.

How to act during strong winds

Take shelter:

• Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.
• If you are in a mobile home, move to a sturdy building before the winds pick up or the storm system reaches your location.

If caught outside or driving:

• Take shelter in your car if you are not near a sturdy building. If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building. Otherwise, move your car to a location where it is less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines.
• If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road. Keep in mind that power lines that are laying on the ground may be live. Do not go near them! Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.
• If you are driving and aren’t near a sturdy building, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down.
• Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers. One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip one of these trailers onto its side.

What to do after strong winds subside

• Do not go near downed power lines. Report downed power lines to the police.
• Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.

For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page

​ Orange County Register 

Padres ready to ride raucous Petco Park energy against Cubs in NL Wild Card Series

• September 29, 2026

By BERNIE WILSON The Associated Press

SAN DIEGO — Back in 1984, Tony Gwynn, Steve Garvey and the San Diego Padres used the energy from their home crowd at Jack Murphy Stadium to rally from a 2-0 deficit in the National League Championship Series and stun Ryan Sandberg, Gary Matthews and the Chicago Cubs to reach their first World Series.

The players, stadium and playoff round are different now. But Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and the Padres hope to tap that home energy once again when they open a Wild Card Series against likely NL MVP Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman and the Cubs starting Tuesday night at a packed, raucous Petco Park.

From the Padres’ standpoint, it’s way better than last year, when they lost 2-1 to the Cubs in the wild-card round at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

The fourth-seeded Padres will host every game in the best-of-three series against the fifth-seeded Cubs. The winner will face the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers in a best-of-five NL Division Series beginning Saturday in Wisconsin.

The Padres had 66 sellouts and their total attendance of 3,347,081 this season was second in the majors behind the rival Dodgers at 4,034,219.

“It’s great. It’s nice to feel 45,000 people behind you, waving the yellow towels,” rookie manager Craig Stammen said Monday. “It’s just a good feeling when you go out there and get the lineups announced that we’re at home. There are no boo-birds and the whole fan base is for us and not against us.”

Chicago left-hander Matthew Boyd (10-5, 3.91 ERA) and Padres right-hander Michael King (12-10, 3.21 ERA) are scheduled to start Tuesday night.

SOME BIG STARS

Crow-Armstrong, who grew up in L.A. and starred at Harvard-Westlake, made his case for NL MVP by becoming the first Cubs player to join the 40/40 club, with 45 home runs and 41 stolen bases.

Machado hit 30 homers for the eighth time in his big league career and fourth time in his eight seasons in San Diego.

Tatis had an unfathomable home run drought to start the season, taking until his 56th game, in Washington on May 30, to connect for the first time. He’s now recorded his fourth 25-homer season and has 38 stolen bases. He continues to make jaw-dropping home run robberies in right field, like the one that denied Francisco Lindor a grand slam against the Mets on Aug. 18 in New York. Tatis hit two homers in that game.

THE MATCHUP

The Cubs dominated San Diego 5-1 in the season series, including handing the Padres their worst loss ever, 23-3, at Wrigley Field on July 1, when they hit eight home runs.

But the Padres turned it around after the All-Star break, going 43-23, the second-best mark in the majors, to clinch their club-record third straight postseason berth and, at 91-71, their third consecutive 90-win season.

“I think we’re firing on all cylinders,” King said. “I think the last two months, 2½ months, the offense has possibly been the best in baseball. We’ve really come together as a starting rotation, and the bullpen is obviously a strong piece. I think that, when you look at us, we don’t really have many weaknesses.

“We’re very confident in what we’ve been doing the last few weeks, and we’re very happy that this is the time that we got hot, and we’ve just got to continue it throughout all this postseason.”

ALEX BREGMAN UPDATE

Bregman went 4 for 4 with two home runs and four RBIs as the designated hitter on Sunday in his second game back from a frightening injury.

Bregman took grounders at third base during Monday’s workout, but Manager Craig Counsell said he isn’t sure when he’ll return to third base.

“I haven’t made a decision there yet,” Counsell said. “I think today was a much better day than kind of how he looked in Tampa. I think it’s just a sign on like how he’s feeling just overall. The fractures are not healed. You know, it’s just how he’s feeling, kind of just pain-wise and things like that. Moving around, swelling, like, just much less. He still has fractures in his face and I think that’s kind of what we have to weigh.”

​ Orange County Register 

Chris Sale anchors Braves’ depleted rotation in NL Wild Card Series against Phillies

• September 29, 2026

By CHARLES ODUM AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves battled through a long list of pitching injuries that left their rotation depleted for their National League Wild Card Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

That’s why Manager Walt Weiss and Braves players are glad to have ace left-hander Chris Sale on the mound for Tuesday’s opening game in the best-of-three series.

“For sure, it’s a different feeling when a guy like that is taking the mound on a big day,” Weiss said Monday.

Added first baseman Matt Olson: “It’s a great feeling. He’s been nothing short of amazing for us … just the teammate and the pitcher and the bulldog he is on the mound. I wouldn’t want anyone else starting for us.”

The NL East champion Braves (94-68) went 9-4 against the second-place Phillies (88-74) and finished six games ahead of them in the regular season. Sale (14-9, 2.16 ERA) was 4-0 against Philadelphia with a 2.08 ERA.

“He’s got to be one of the top two lefties in the league, top few pitchers in the league, so yeah, he presents a whole set of problems. But we’ve seen him a little bit,” Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said. “You know, we haven’t been great against him, but we’ll see. Tomorrow’s a new day.”

Phillies All-Star left-hander Jesús Luzardo (14-5, 2.86 ERA) will start as an opener after being used for a scoreless eighth inning in Sunday’s 7-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays that finally clinched the third NL wild-card spot.

Luzardo returned from a stint on the injured list with left shoulder inflammation. The wild-card opener will be his first start since throwing his first career shutout in a 1-0 home win against Atlanta on Sept. 7.

Right-hander Tyler Mahle likely will be Atlanta’s Game 2 starter. Left-hander Martín Pérez could have been the third starter before landing on the 15-day injured list on Thursday with lower back inflammation. The Braves also have lost starting pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López and Hurston Waldrep this season.

OPENER OR STARTER

Luzardo might remain in the game longer than a normal opener if he comes close to the form he showed in recording 12 strikeouts in the shutout victory over the Braves.

Mattingly said Monday he was glad Luzardo logged the inning on Sunday so he could “see the bounce-back today.”

When asked if it was necessary to use Luzardo in the relief role if starting the Wild Card Series opener was an option, Mattingly said he wasn’t taking any chances in Sunday’s must-win situation.

“I don’t think it was a 100% had to,” Mattingly said. “But, you know, in that game, you’re not gonna let anything get away, right? You’re not going to let this thing creep back into a game, that type of thing.”

Luzardo was the NL Pitcher of the Month in August. He was efficient in the shutout win against the Braves, allowing only two hits and one walk in a game that lasted just 1 hour, 51 minutes.

INJURY UPDATE

Mattingly said second baseman Luis Arraez will not be on the Wild Card Series roster after spraining his left ankle on Thursday. Right-hander Jonathan Bowlan (groin) will be available.

Braves right-hander Bryce Elder, expected to miss three to four weeks after surgery on his right knee on Sept. 8, threw batting practice Monday but will not be on the roster for the series. Right-hander Joe Jiménez, who hasn’t pitched since 2024 due to three operations on his left knee, also threw batting practice. Weiss indicated Elder might have a chance to return if the Braves advance to a best-of-five NL Division Series against the Dodgers.

QUICK TURNAROUND, QUICK RESET

Following a celebration in the clubhouse after Sunday’s win, the Phillies had a quick flight to Atlanta for Monday’s workout. Mattingly and his players were still reflecting on the stressful final week of the regular season that included four straight losses before the clinching win.

“It kind of feels like it sums up our whole season a little bit,” shortstop Trea Turner said. “Playing well at times, playing bad at times, getting unlucky sometimes. Just felt a little frustrating as a group. I think we knew that. We wanted to play well. We wanted to get in as soon as possible. You don’t want to wait until the last day.”

​ Orange County Register 

Yankees, Red Sox take storied rivalry into AL Wild Card Series

• September 29, 2026

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer

NEW YORK — Yankees-Red Sox matchups have produced plenty of melodrama, with video clips of Bucky Dent, Pedro Martínez, Aaron Boone, Curt Schilling and Dave Roberts becoming a staple of videoboards and TV broadcasts.

Boone’s 11th-inning walk-off home run for New York against Boston in Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series became the defining moment of his baseball career and perhaps his life.

“I understand that a lot of people have an amazing story, a lot of those that I’ve heard, tied to that moment,” the Yankees manager said Monday on the eve of his team’s best-of-three Wild Card Series against the Red Sox.

Payton Tolle starts Tuesday night’s opener for Boston and likely Cy Young Award winner Cam Schlittler will be on the mound for the Yankees. This will be the seventh postseason meeting between the longtime rivals and second Wild Card Series in a row.

“A real slobberknocker,” Tolle said, using slang for a brutal fight.

New York (93-68) finished second in the AL East behind Tampa Bay (98-64), and the Red Sox (87-75) were third. The first-round winner advances to a best-of-five AL Division Series against the Rays.

Tolle got one out in last year’s Wild Card Series, a month after his major league debut.

“Walking out there to the ’pen last year, you see how much the fans interact, how bought-in they are,” he said. “You see how much it means. You get to hear how loud it gets and just try and turn that into white noise the best you can.”

Yankees rookie outfielder Spencer Jones watched part of last year’s matchup while driving with his girlfriend from Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he finished the season with the Yankees’ Triple-A farm team, to Nashville, Tennessee.

“We stopped at a Chipotle and we just sat there and watched on the iPad,” he said.

“I’ve heard that these Wild Card Series get pretty intense, get pretty rowdy,” he added. “This is going to be the most fun baseball I’ve ever played.”

New York hosts all three games because of its better finish in the standings. Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right field could be a factor for left-handed hitters, similar to how Fenway Park’s Green Monster in left field is an inviting target for right-handed batters.

“I think in an ideal situation, we’re at home in front of our fans,” said Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony, a leadoff hitter who bats from the left side. “I’m not trying to just go out there and pull home runs, right? I think for me and for everyone, it’s about getting on base and manufacturing runs.”

JUDGE, STANTON, GRISHAM AMONG INJURY CONCERNS

Aaron Judge (calf strain), Giancarlo Stanton (calf strains in both legs) and Trent Grisham (right hamstring) all took live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Monday, hoping to be included on the series roster.

“I’ve been doing a lot of convincing, I feel like, so I’m going to keep doing that,” Judge said just after arriving at the stadium. “The most important thing is just making sure I’m healthy and ready to go for this long stretch. We’ve got another month of baseball to play.”

CROCHET COULD BE IN BOSTON BULLPEN

Left-hander Garrett Crochet, who won last season’s series opener against the Yankees by allowing one run and four hits in 7⅔ innings, could be a bullpen option for Boston.

He has not pitched since April 25 because of left shoulder inflammation.

“He’s worked very hard to get everything back strong the way it needs to be, but we’re still going to be evaluating him daily to see where he’s at,” Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said.

BIG BOSTON REBOUND

Manager Alex Cora, who led the Red Sox to the 2018 World Series title, was fired on April 25 with Boston at 10-17 and replaced by Tracy, who had been managing the Triple-A Worcester farm team.

Boston dropped to 32-46 on June 24, then went a major league-best 55-29. The Red Sox are just the fourth team to reach the postseason after dropping 14 games under .500, joining the 1914 Boston Braves and 2005 Houston Astros.

NEW FACE

Braiden Ward, a speedy 27-year-old outfielder who spent the season at Worcester, was in the Red Sox clubhouse and was assigned a locker with No. 25. He could become the seventh player to make his major league debut in the postseason.

Ward stole 61 bases in 70 attempts this year and has 272 stolen bases in 523 minor league games.

“It’s like a dream. It’s a fever dream,” he said. “One day I’m in Worcester and the next day I’m in Florida, the next day I’m at the nicest hotel we’ve ever stayed at in New York City with the greatest view, the greatest team, getting to hopefully play in the greatest rivalry.”

Cora had told Ward during spring training he could be a postseason option off the bench.

“Two of my best friends are Yankee fans, so hopefully I get to talk absolute smack to them the entire time,” he said. “I joke with the team. It’s like, how cool would it be to have your debut be Game 3, ninth inning and they’re like, ‘Hey Ward, you’re out there. Have fun.’ So nothing crazy. No pressure.”

​ Orange County Register 

Case Keenum accounts for 3 TDs as Bears take down Eagles

• September 29, 2026

By JAY COHEN AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO — Case Keenum threw two touchdown passes in his first start in almost three years, and the Chicago Bears shut down Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles for a 27-7 victory on Monday night.

Stepping in for injured Caleb Williams, Keenum was 24 for 34 for 247 yards. He also scored his first rushing touchdown since 2019 on a 1-yard plunge with 7:19 left, capping a 13-play drive that took more than eight minutes off the clock.

It was Keenum’s first action since he started for the Houston Texans in a 36-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 24, 2023. Williams was sidelined by a right hamstring injury, and Tyson Bagent backed up Keenum after he cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol on Sunday.

Kalif Raymond had six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown as Chicago (2-1) bounced back after an ugly 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week.

Philadelphia (2-1) turned the ball over three times and failed to record a takeaway for the third consecutive game to begin the season. Hurts was 16 for 25 for 153 yards with an interception, and Saquon Barkley rushed for 82 yards on 15 carries.

Keenum capped Chicago’s first drive with a shovel pass to Luther Burden for an 8-yard touchdown, and he connected with a wide-open Raymond on a 41-yard TD pass in the second half.

Trailing 7-0, Hurts drove Philadelphia deep into Chicago territory in the second quarter before he absorbed a late hit by linebacker D’Marco Jackson along the sideline. Hurts was pulled off the field to be checked for a concussion, and backup Andy Dalton was intercepted by rookie Dillon Thieneman in the back of the end zone with 6:14 left.

Hurts scored on a quarterback sneak as time expired in the first half, but Chicago (2-1) controlled the final two periods.

Hurts was picked off by linebacker T.J. Edwards late in the third quarter. Edwards dropped a potential interception on third down on Philadelphia’s first drive of the second half.

Chicago finished with 24 first downs and 128 yards rushing. The Bears had 28 first downs and 281 yards on the ground in a 24-15 win at Philadelphia last season.

INJURIES

Bears left tackle Braxton Jones departed with 10:22 left in the third because of a knee injury. … Raymond was shaken up on a punt return with 3:12 remaining in the third, but he returned to the game.

UP NEXT

The Eagles host the Rams (1-2) on Sunday at 10 a.m. PT.

The Bears host the New York Jets (1-2) on Sundayat 10 a.m. PT.

​ Orange County Register 

Orange County scores and player stats for Monday, Sept. 28

• September 29, 2026

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

Scores and stats from Orange County games on Monday, Sept. 28

Click here for details about sending your team’s scores and stats to the Register.

The deadline for submitting information is 10:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 p.m. Saturday.

GIRLS TENNIS

GOLDEN WEST LEAGUE

Segerstrom 15, Godinez 3

NONLEAGUE

Laguna Beach 10, San Clemente 8

Irvine 9, Capistrano Valley 9 (Irv wins on tiebreak, 80-75)

GIRLS GOLF

CRESTVIEW LEAGUE

Canyon 189, Yorba Linda 219

NORTH HILLS LEAGUE

El Dorado 222, Villa Park 247

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

EMPIRE LEAGUE

Garden Grove 20, Westminster 19

FREEWAY LEAGUE

Sonora 39, Sunny Hills 25

GROVE LEAGUE

La Quinta 32, Savanna 0

Santiago/GG 12, Saddleback 6

NORTH HILLS LEAGUE

La Habra 33, Pacifica/GG 6

ORANGE LEAGUE

Bolsa Grande 26, Western 25

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Woodbridge 53, University 16

Sage Hill 22, Portola 18

RIO VISTA LEAGUE

Oxford Academy 27, Pioneer 0

NONLEAGUE

Rancho Alamitos 26, Century 6

BOYS WATER POLO

SEA VIEW LEAGUE

Tesoro 10, Mission Viejo 7

​ Orange County Register 

‘Highly venomous’ non-native Gaboon viper spotted in Santa Ana neighborhood

• September 29, 2026

A snake that police believe to be a highly venomous viper not native to North America apparently is on the loose in Santa Ana.

Authorities think that the snake, which appears to be about four to five feet long and was spotted in a tree in a neighborhood near Main Street and Edinger Avenue, is a Gaboon viper, officials said Monday, Sept 28.

Officials have identified it as a Gaboon viper based on photographs they have seen, Santa Ana police Officer Natalie Garcia said.

Gaboon vipers have a geometric pattern of light and dark brown, pink and purple hues, with diamonds and stripes along their backs, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Native to rainforests in Central, West and East Africa, the vipers are venomous but generally calm, and they rarely bite humans, according to the institute. But a bite from a Gaboon viper can be fatal.

As of Monday afternoon, police had not deduced how the snake escaped into the neighborhood and they had not yet made contact with any potential owner, Garcia said. Gaboon vipers are considered a restricted species under California law, meaning possession or transportation of the snake requires special permitting.

Santa Ana police were planning to bring in a snake expert to help address the situation. They were also working with professional snake catchers, who were actively looking to capture the snake, Garcia said.

Since the initial sighting near Main Street and Edinger, police had not received additional reports of sightings. They warned that members of the public should not approach the snake or attempt to capture it and should instead call police at (714) 834-4211 for assistance.

​ Orange County Register 

Building unity by gathering OC Around the Table

• September 29, 2026

They arrived with trays of food; they left with a bigger community.

OC Around the Table held its second community potluck at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley on Sunday, with residents from all over Orange County bringing dishes to share as they gathered around tables, turning strangers into friends.

It was an attempt at another Guinness World Record for the largest potluck held in the United States — the first event in 2025 broke the record with 2,166 people — but it was really about creating unity in diverse Orange County. An update on Sunday’s record attempt had not been posted yet Monday afternoon.

OC Around the Table is led by the Pacifica Institute, with the City of Fountain Valley, the county of Orange, the Orange County Interfaith Network, the  Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce and Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council also partnering on its organization. Sponsors and table hosts also help make the day happen.

​ Orange County Register