Strong Santa Ana Winds Continue to Challenge Fire Crews
Wind Conditions
Strong Santa Ana winds are expected to continue until late Wednesday afternoon, creating an uphill battle for fire crews across Los Angeles county. As of late Wednesday morning, winds in the Palisades Fire area near Topanga Beach are blowing at 40 mph. Overnight winds fanned the flames through neighborhoods at devastating speed.
Wind Speeds in the Santa Monica Mountains
Sections of the Santa Monica Mountains just north of Topanga Canyon have reached even higher winds speeds early Wednesday morning of over 80 mph. Those winds have since slowed to roughly 60 mph.
Eaton Fire
The Eaton fire, which started in the Altadena area and has since spread toward Pasadena, has been fanned by strong 40 mph winds and low 15% humidity, according to NBCLA meteorologist Belen De Leon.
Forecast
Humidity is expected to decrease throughout the day down into the teens across all of Los Angeles, which will aid the flames, according to De Leon. A red flag warning has been issued from Ventura County down to the Inland Empire, and a wildfire smoke advisory will stay in effect until 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Air Quality
Air quality has also continued to plummet throughout Los Angeles. According to NBCLA meteorologist Shanna Mendiola, air surrounding downtown Los Angeles and the Los Angeles foothills is now considered hazardous. Residents in those areas are encouraged to wear a P95 or P100 mask to protect themselves. Winds will continue to blow smoke southeast towards the inland empire and Orange County, Mendiola added.
Winds to Slow Down
Winds are expected to begin slowing down between 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday. "They’ll still be strong, just not as strong as what we’re experiencing right now," said NBC4 meteorologist Stephanie Olmo.
Conclusion
The strong Santa Ana winds will continue to challenge fire crews across Los Angeles county, making it difficult to contain the fires. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the hazardous air quality and to follow evacuation orders if necessary.
FAQs
Q: What are the current wind speeds in the Palisades Fire area?
A: As of late Wednesday morning, winds in the Palisades Fire area near Topanga Beach are blowing at 40 mph.
Q: What are the wind speeds in the Santa Monica Mountains?
A: Sections of the Santa Monica Mountains just north of Topanga Canyon have reached even higher winds speeds early Wednesday morning of over 80 mph. Those winds have since slowed to roughly 60 mph.
Q: How will the humidity affect the fires?
A: Humidity is expected to decrease throughout the day down into the teens across all of Los Angeles, which will aid the flames.
Q: What is the air quality like in Los Angeles?
A: Air quality has continued to plummet throughout Los Angeles, with air surrounding downtown Los Angeles and the Los Angeles foothills now considered hazardous.
