A damaging Santa Ana wind event was in full swing early Wednesday and winds were expected to remain strong in Southern California through the early afternoon, fanning three wildfires that were rapidly spreading across the Los Angeles metro area early Wednesday.
The Palisades fire had grown to about 2,921 acres, the Eaton fire to about 1,000 acres and the Hearst fire to about 500 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. All were at zero percent containment.
Wind gusts of 99 mph were recorded at Mount Lukens in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, 98 mph at Saddle Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains and 84 mph at Hollywood Burbank Airport.
Relative humidity in the area is very low, below 10%. Los Angeles has been very dry, with October through December being the sixth driest on record last year.
Downtown Los Angeles has received just 0.16 inches of rain since Oct. 1, compared to a typical rainfall of about 4.53 inches. A severe fire danger warning has been issued for Malibu to Burbank, along with Simi Valley and San Fernando.
A very dangerous situation red flag warning was in effect for Los Angeles until 4 p.m. PST on Wednesday. A similar warning was issued for Orange County, and damaging winds are expected to extend into San Diego County.
A severe fire danger warning has been extended all the way east of San Diego. Winds will begin to ease and humidity levels will begin to rise on Thursday and Friday.
