In the usual Santa Ana storms, most of that flow streams out of the desert, through mountain passes and into the valleys along predictable pathways, like water coursing down riverbeds.

Wind speeds can increase further as they funnel through the valleys and gorges in the area, much like water increases its speed as it passes through a hose.

"It's like water off a duck's back really, the way he just sort of takes it all in his stride," sports psychologist and former women's world number one darts player Dr Linda Duffy told BBC Sport.

Like water spraying through a narrow nozzle, the winds are accelerated as they enter the canyons, often reaching gale-force strength by the time they exit into Los Angeles and San Bernardino.

For years, he had thought of having a foley artist instead of a percussionist in his band, so that he could recreate natural textures like water and the wind.