Ferocious winds continue as fires continue to burn out of control across LA County
LOS ANGELES - The apocalyptic and deadly wildfires ravaging Southern California remain extremely volatile Thursday as a terrifying third day of a critical fire weather threat grips much of Los Angeles County.
The infernos' full-blown assault from once-hurricane-force winds has sent more than 200,000 people under some sort of evacuation notice as the region's relentless enemy continues to consume everything in its path.
At least five people have been killed, and the human cost of the disaster is likely to increase significantly in the days and weeks ahead.
As a result of another round of ferocious winds, the National Weather Service has extended weather alerts in the region.
SUGGESTED: California fires map: Los Angeles evacuation orders, warnings
Weather Alerts
Red Flag Warning
A Red Flag warning remains in effect through Friday at 6 p.m. due to strong winds, warm temperatures and low humidity. NWS forecasters said the winds be strongest in the mountains and foothills.
This affects the following areas:
- Santa Ana Mountains
- Inland Orange County
- Ventura County beaches
- Ventura County Inland Coast
- Los Angeles County
- Inland County valleys
- San Bernardino Mountains
High Wind Warning
A High Wind Warning was in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday through 6 p.m. Friday. The NWS forecast winds between 25 and 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph in the Inland Empire valleys, San Bernardino County Mountains, Santa Ana Mountains and foothills, and inland communities in Orange County.
What’s next?
NWS forecasts have called for calmer winds to return to the forecast by Friday evening. However, the road to recovery due to the devastating wildfires will take years.