**Strong Winds Bring Wildfires and High Fire Danger to Los Angeles County**
Los Angeles County was hit with three major wildfires on Wednesday morning, fueled by unusually strong winds and gusts of up to 99 mph. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts of 99 mph near Altadena, 98 mph near Woodland Hills, and 84 mph at Hollywood Burbank Airport on Tuesday evening.
The strong winds were not typical of a Santa Ana wind event, but they did bring dry offshore winds to the area. Forecasters warned that the event could be accompanied by a weather phenomenon that could result in brief but damaging winds, with the San Gabriel foothills and valleys expected to be particularly affected.
Rich Thompson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, explained that strong and dangerous winds can cause mountain wave winds, which can result in very brief bursts of fire. “When winds are strong and dangerous, mountain wave wind activities occur. Those winds will travel down the slope and then hit the surface and become very strong,” Thompson said.
The strong winds made it impossible to launch airstrikes against the wildfires on Tuesday night, forcing crews to ground planes in an effort to put out the Palisades Fire, which broke out in the Los Angeles area. The Eaton Fire also broke out in the mountains above Altadena, with high winds causing officials to suspend aerial coverage of the fire that night.
The fires are just the latest in a string of devastating wildfires to hit Southern California, with the region experiencing an extended fire season due to a lack of rainfall. Since October 1, Los Angeles has received just 0.16 inches of rain, a fraction of the average 4.64 inches of rainfall the city receives during this time of year.
In contrast, Northern California has received above-average rainfall, with San Francisco receiving 10.39 inches of rain since October 1, above the city’s average of 9.29 inches.
Overall, the region’s dry conditions and strong winds have created a fuel for wildfires to spread rapidly, and forecasters warn that any wildfire that occurs could potentially spread quickly.
**FAQs**
* What caused the strong winds in Los Angeles County?
The strong winds were caused by a weather phenomenon known as mountain wave winds, which can result in brief but damaging winds.
* How many fires are currently burning in Los Angeles County?
Three major wildfires are currently burning in Los Angeles County.
* What is the cause of the extended fire season in Southern California?
The lack of rainfall, with some areas receiving as little as 0.16 inches of rain since October 1, has led to an extended fire season.
* How often do red flag warnings occur?
The National Weather Service issues red flag warnings, also known as particularly hazardous conditions warnings, every 3-5 years on average. However, this fire season, the office in Oxnard has issued three such warnings.
**Conclusion**
The strong winds and dry conditions in Los Angeles County have created a deadly combination, resulting in the spread of three major wildfires. The region is experiencing an extended fire season, with the National Weather Service warning that any wildfire that occurs has the potential to spread rapidly. As the region continues to face these extreme weather conditions, it is essential for residents and visitors to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to stay safe. By understanding the causes of the strong winds and fire season, we can better prepare for and respond to these emergencies.
