Destructive, ‘life-threatening’ windstorm expected to peak overnight across Southern California 

As a destructive and “life-threatening” windstorm continues battering Southern California Tuesday, fire officials warned the danger will continue overnight as peak winds are forecasted to arrive.

Increased wind danger will begin at 10 p.m. on Tuesday night and continue through 5 a.m. Wednesday morning. 

Over 30,000 residents are under evacuation orders as a massive wildfire ignited in the Pacific Palisades community early Tuesday morning. By the afternoon, the fire had exploded to more than 1,200 acres and was expected to keep growing amid strong Santa Ana winds.

As firefighters continue battling the fast-growing blaze, at a Tuesday night press conference, fire officials urged the public to heed evacuation warnings.

“By no stretch of the imagination are we out of the woods,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “From 10 p.m. tonight til 5 a.m. tomorrow will be peak winds.”

The city of Los Angeles declared a state of emergency as homes and structures were destroyed by the Palisades Fire.

Long-duration Red Flag Warnings are in effect for Los Angeles and Ventura counties beginning Wednesday at 4 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Damaging wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph are expected.

Areas under a Red Flag Warning will have “an increased risk for large fires with very rapid fire spread, extreme fire behavior, and long-range spotting,” NWS said. The extreme wind event, described as “particularly dangerous,” will remain most active in the areas of:

• San Fernando Valleys
• San Gabriel Mountains
• Beverly Hills
• Hollywood Hills
• Malibu
• Eastern Ventura Valley (near Simi Valley/Moorpark)
• Coastal areas adjacent to the Sepulveda Pass
• Santa Monica and Santa Susana Mounains

“This will likely be the most destructive wind storm seen since a 2011 windstorm that did extensive damage to Pasadena and the nearby foothills of the San Gabriel Valley,” NWS said. “Any communities along Highway 118 and 210 quarters will be at the highest risk for comparable wind damage. “

The San Gabriel and Santa Susana mountains and the foothills of the San Gabriel/San Fernando Valleys will likely see wind gusts between 80 and 100 mph, NWS warned.

“It’s important for the public to understand how dynamic these winds are and how quickly they can change on a dime,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Chief Kristin Crowley. “You may think, ‘Okay, I’m safe’ but the key is to listen for those evacuation orders and be super diligent in regarding what could happen. We want people to be cognizant of that, make good decisions, make sure they understand real-time information. It’s going to get worse tonight. Be ready.”

Critical fire weather conditions will threaten many areas of Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties through Wednesday afternoon and Fire Weather Watches will be in effect from Thursday night into Friday. 

Humidity levels are also expected to drop to between 10 and 20 percent in many areas by Tuesday night. The low moisture levels could lower into the single digits in some areas by Wednesday, fostering continued dangerous fire conditions.

Air quality remains poor across many SoCal communities due to the wildfire and high winds.

Health officials at the South Coast AQMD offer these tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from poor air that may be harmful to your health:

• Remain indoors with windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter
• Avoid vigorous physical activity
• Respirator masks: Keep a few disposable respirators (i.e. N-95 or P-100 respirators) on hand, in case you need to be outside in smoky conditions.
• If you smell smoke, run your air conditioner if you have one and make sure it has a clean filter. Close the fresh air intake if your air conditioner has the option so that it is recirculating the indoor air to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. A higher efficiency filter (i.e. higher MERV rating) will filter out more smoke particles than a low efficiency one.
• Medical plan: If you or your family member has a heart or lung disease (such as asthma), consult your doctor to have a plan in case the smoke worsens the symptoms. Have an adequate supply of medications on hand (5 days or more).
• Generator Safety: If you plan to use a generator during a public safety power shutoff, never use it inside your house. Generators produce toxic carbon monoxide gas that can kill you. Only use your generator when it is outdoors and at least 20 feet away from your home. Ensure that you have working carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
• Create a space in your home with filtered air, by using a portable high-efficiency or HEPA air cleaner while keeping doors and windows closed. This can be a room where you spend a lot of time, such as a bedroom. More information about air filters and air cleaners can be found here.
• Avoid using indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances, including fireplaces. Avoid combustion sources inside the home such as candles and incense that could further degrade indoor air quality.
• If you must be outdoors in smoky conditions, keep it brief, and use a disposable respirator (N-95 or P-100). These respirators can offer some protection from smoke particles if they are worn properly and have a tight fit. Do not rely on surgical masks or cloth masks for protection. Information about using respirators to protect from wildfire smoke or ash can be found here.

“We are not out of danger,” said L.A. County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone. “We’re going to have the most significant wind event overnight, so it’s incumbent that everybody have a wildfire action plan for their home if they live in a brush-covered area.”

Pacific Palisades is located about 10 miles from Malibu, where the Franklin Fire burned more than 4,000 acres and burned several homes after erupting during similar windy conditions in December.

More information, including current evacuations and fire information, can be found here.