Fire-ravaged Southern California faces “extreme fire danger” Tuesday as powerful Santa Ana winds hit again – forecasters warned winds could reach 70 mph (110 km/h) .
As firefighters work to extinguish portions of the Eaton and Palisades fires, gusty winds are expected to pick up again, threatening to intensify current fires or start new wildfires. .
“Extreme fire danger continues today in Southern California,” Fox Prediction Center meteorologist Christopher Tate told the Post.
“Things will gradually improve after today, but strong winds are still possible, which could worsen fire conditions and lead to new fire outbreaks.”
Although winds are not expected to reach the 160 mph “hurricane” gusts recorded last week, dry conditions are expected to cause “significant damage” that could start new fires or spread existing fires. “Risks” remain, Tate said.
“It's going to dry out as the days go by. The vegetation that hasn't burned yet will be very dry and very flammable,” he warned.
The National Weather Service issued its most dire warning yet, saying the weather would be “particularly dangerous” as strong winds could ground firefighting aircraft.
“The National Weather Service's enhanced language in Los Angeles is definitely warranted in this regard,” Tate agreed.
Much of Southern California around Los Angeles remains under an extreme fire danger warning through Wednesday, and fire officials are warning residents in Thousand Oaks, Northridge, Simi Valley and other hazardous areas to call for formal orders if they feel threatened. warning to evacuate beforehand.
The weather is expected to improve slightly after Tuesday, but it remains to be seen whether there is an end in sight, as forecasts predict that the weather will remain dry and sunny for the next week and a half.
Mr Tate warned that it would take several days for the situation to “turn around” as weather patterns change.
Four major fires broke out in the Los Angeles area in one week, burning more than 62 square miles, about three times the size of Manhattan.
The Eaton Fire near Pasadena was about a third contained Tuesday morning, but the largest fire in the Pacific Palisades was only 14% contained.
The fire has killed at least 24 people and displaced another 200,000.
Comes with post wire.
