Extreme Winds Wreak Havoc on Los Angeles Region, Firefighters Struggle to Contain Blazes
Strongest Winds Expected to Taper Off by Afternoon, But More Fire Danger Ahead
Extreme winds from the north and northeast will continue to blow into the Los Angeles region through Wednesday morning, bringing gusts of up to 80 mph as firefighters battle to contain several massive fires. The strong winds have been fueled by a high-pressure system over the Great Basin, leading to critical fire weather conditions.
Winds Reach 75 mph in La Cañada Flintridge, 65 mph in San Gabriel Mountains
According to Mike Wofford, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service, the winds are still in the stronger period, with gusts reaching 75 mph in the La Cañada Flintridge area and 65 mph in the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains.
Red Flag Warnings in Effect Until Thursday
Red flag warnings will be in effect for Los Angeles County and much of Ventura County until 6 p.m. Thursday, but the strong winds are forecast to taper off by afternoon as an ocean breeze blows onto the coast. "We are expecting a fairly significant decrease as we get into the afternoon," Wofford said. "We’ll probably still see some wind gusts – up to 20 to 40 miles per hour in the mountains and the San Fernando Valley – but quite a bit less than what we saw overnight and this morning."
Winds Expected to Pick Up Again in the Evening
Wofford noted that the winds are likely to amp up again in the evening, bringing up to 50-mph gusts. However, he said these winds are part of a more typical Santa Ana pattern. "As we go forward and get out of this extreme situation, we should see much much lighter winds," Wofford said. "We’re basically in the traditional Santa Ana pattern for the next week."
Fire Situation Update
More than a thousand homes, businesses, and other buildings have burned in the fires, and at least two people are dead. The Palisades fire, which had charred more than 5,000 acres as of Wednesday morning, has burned down to Pacific Coast Highway, engulfing homes along the iconic stretch. The Eaton fire, which broke out Tuesday evening, had burned more than 2,200 acres near Altadena and Pasadena, with two people having died and several others seriously injured. The Hurst fire, which spread quickly during high winds overnight in Sylmar, had burned 500 acres.
Challenges for Firefighters
Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Erik Scott said the Palisades fire was being fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and surrounding topography, making it extremely challenging for firefighters to get a handle on the blaze. "More winds are expected Wednesday and Thursday," Scott said. "The biggest growth to the fire is likely to be to the west, he said.
Conclusion
The extreme winds will continue to pose a significant threat to the Los Angeles region, with firefighters facing an uphill battle to contain the blazes. While the winds are expected to taper off in the afternoon, the fire danger will remain high, and residents are advised to remain vigilant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long will the strong winds last?
A: The strong winds are expected to continue until the afternoon, but may pick up again in the evening.
Q: How many homes and buildings have been destroyed in the fires?
A: More than a thousand homes, businesses, and other buildings have been destroyed.
Q: How many people have died in the fires?
A: At least two people have died, with several others seriously injured.
Q: What is the cause of the fires?
A: The fires are being fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and surrounding topography.
