Strong Santa Ana winds on Wednesday will continue to bring extreme fire danger into the afternoon for Southern California, where two deadly wildfires are already burning.
“Winds are now starting to pick up. The peak is expected to continue, especially as we get closer to dawn,” said KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins.
(National Weather Bureau)
Fire danger peaked Wednesday with what the National Weather Service described as particularly hazardous conditions (PDS) in several areas, including Fillmore, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks and Northridge, between 3 a.m. and 3 p.m. creating a situation.
Maps provided by the Bureau of Meteorology show many parts of the region are also under red flags. These warnings are also in effect for areas of Orange County and the Inland Empire and are scheduled to expire at 6 p.m.
Wind gusts in the mountains could reach peak wind speeds of 50 to 70 mph, while coastal and valley areas could see gusts of 30 to 50 mph.
The winds will be weaker than those that hit the area during the Palisades and Eaton fires, but still strong.
The Bureau of Meteorology said: “The risk of large fires, rapid spread and long-range detection is high.”
Santa Ana winds are expected to weaken by Thursday and will likely subside into the weekend.
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