Multiple large wildfires are burning in Southern California, fueled by dangerous Santa Ana winds. The fires have resulted in fatalities, widespread evacuations, and thousands of acres burned.
At least five wildfires are ravaging Southern California, and the three largest — which are at 0% containment — have already killed at least two people, burned thousands of acres and prompted the evacuation of about 70,000 residents. Santa Ana winds coupled with dry conditions have created the perfect storm for the fires to spread.
Hurricane-force winds have fanned the flames of the Palisades Fire, currently burning on the west side of Los Angeles County in coastal communities including Pacific Palisades and Malibu. The winds are also blowing the embers of the Eaton Fire, which is impacting the cities of Pasadena and Altadena in northeast L.A. County. Santa Ana winds flow east to west through Southern California's mountains, according to the National Weather Service. They begin when winds from the desert flow westward toward an area of low pressure, near the coast, like L.A. The winds usually originate in the Great Basin of the United States between September and May. This area, east of California, is at a higher elevation than L.A., and as the air drops, its temperature rises, according to Dr. Robert Fovell, a UCLA professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences. These winds are more common in colder months when the desert air is cool. As the winds drop in altitude and increase in temperature, they also drop in humidity, causing a dryness. Vegetation can dry out and wildfires can start, with the winds fanning the flames.On Monday, the National Weather Service forecasted a strong Santa Ana winds event for L.A. through Friday, with the strongest gusts, which were likely to down power lines, arriving Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday morning, 79 mph winds were reported and were expected to reach 100 mph in some areas. Another bout of Santa Ana winds is forecast for Friday, with another on its tail on Sunday, according to the weather servic
WILDFIRE SANTA ANA WINDS CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES EVACUATION
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