SoCal Winds Continue Fanning Fires: Timeline Of Destructive Windstorm

LOS ANGELES — A "life-threatening and destructive windstorm" fanning the flames of several wildfires ravaging the Southland will continue until at least Wednesday evening as fire crews rush to protect more homes from destruction, the National Weather Service said.

According to the NWS, overnight wind gusts reached 100 mph in the mountains and surpassed 84 mph at the Hollywood Burbank Airport.

70 to 90 mph gusts continued in the mountains Wednesday morning and 60 mph gusts will be possible across the region through the afternoon.

Major fires burning in Los Angeles County had burned nearly 8,000 acres by Wednesday morning, prompting tens of thousands to evacuate and destroying hundreds of homes.

A high wind warning will remain in effect until 6 p.m., with gusts up to 60 mph possible, which forecasters say will continue to present significant, widespread hazards.

"Widespread damaging north to northeast winds and extreme weather conditions will continue through mid-afternoon," NWS Los Angeles warned Wednesday. "Downed trees and power lines, power outages, hazardous driving conditions, increased traffic, and airport delays should be expected across the Southland. Any wildfires that start will likely spread rapidly with extreme fire behavior."

While a shift in conditions is in the forecast, the weather service said winds were unlikely to drop below warning levels until early evening and would offer little benefit to two of the major fires.

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"The offshore push from the north is decreasing, while the offshore push from the east is increasing," NWS Los Angeles said. "This will shut off the winds in a few places, but turn them on in areas that have been fairly calm. It's likely that many areas in western Ventura County will see stronger winds this morning. It is unlikely, however, that this switch will affect the winds at the Eaton or Palisades fires."

Forecasters expect a more widespread easing Thursday, with offshore winds blowing at about half the strength of Wednesday and requiring advisories only in the mountains of Los Angeles and eastern Ventura County. Friday, however, may present fresh hazards.

"Unfortunately, it looks like another Santa Ana is on tap for Friday," NWS Los Angeles said. "This will be a more typical Santa Ana with predominately northeast winds focused along the typical Santa Ana wind corridor from the Santa Clarita Valley to Point Mugu. Wind advisories are likely in this area from early morning to early afternoon. The downsloping winds will also reduce humidities and increase the fire danger."

The weather service said onshore flow would return Saturday, heralding the "welcome return of the seabreeze" and weak northerly winds, pulling temperatures down by 4 to 8 degrees. The next ridge of high pressure could again kick up Santa Ana winds Sunday, with early forecasts showing gusts just under advisory levels.

Forecasters urged residents to remain vigilant, closely monitor the latest developments and have a plan to evacuate.

"Trees, large branches, and power lines may be downed by the wind next week," the weather service said. "Residents living near the foothills and mountains are advised to review the Ready, Set, Go! fire plan. Most residents should be in the "Set" stage and being prepared to go in the event of a fire evacuation."

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