Southern California braces for 'gusty' winds as new fires erupt in region
US forecasters have warned that new vicious winds are set to hit Southern California as the region continues to confront devastating fires that have ravaged Los Angeles communities.
The winds eased on Tuesday afternoon after peaking at 60 mph, but forecasters predict “gusty conditions will return on Wednesday for at least two more days,” said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Los Angeles office.
The strong winds are expected to return intermittently over the next several days, with peak gusts forecasted in mountain regions reaching up to 100 mph.
The fresh winds, coming amid persistently bone-dry conditions, mark the end of a brief reprieve from dangerous high fire-risk weather.
These conditions will significantly increase the risk of fire spread and new ignitions, heightening the volatility of the situation.
David Acuna, a spokesperson with the California department of forestry and fire protection, said the biggest concerns are the Palisades and Eaton fires breaking their containment lines and a new blaze starting.
Los Angeles is expecting a small amount of rain starting over the weekend and continuing into early Sunday. However, Southern California is not out of the woods when it comes to fire risk.
"Obviously, it's going to be very welcome to get some moisture here. In terms of ending the fire season, it's probably not going to be enough for that,” said Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
The newly inaugurated US president, Donald Trump, is scheduled to visit Los Angeles on Friday amid his dissatisfaction with the way the country has managed the latest wildfires.
The fires have claimed at least 27 lives, destroyed more than 14,000 structures, and charred over 60 square miles since they broke out on January 7.
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Southern California braces for 'gusty' winds as new fires erupt in region
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