Powerful winds reaching up to 80 mph swept through Southern California on Thursday, complicating firefighting efforts as multiple wildfires rage across the region.
The National Weather Service issued high wind warnings for both Los Angeles and San Diego counties, with northeast winds blowing between 35-50 mph and gusts equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane in mountainous areas. The warnings remain in effect until Thursday evening.
The fierce winds are hampering efforts to contain several major blazes, including the Hughes Fire that erupted Wednesday in Los Angeles County's Castaic area. The fire exploded to over 10,000 acres within hours, burning more than 30 acres per minute at its peak. As of Thursday morning, it was 14% contained.
Mandatory evacuation orders have forced 31,000 residents from their homes, with another 23,000 under evacuation warnings. Several schools closed and hundreds of inmates were relocated from the Pitchess Detention Center as a precaution.
The Hughes Fire adds to an already devastating wildfire season. Earlier this month, the Palisades and Eaton fires claimed 27 lives in the Los Angeles area and destroyed thousands of structures. Multiple other fires continue burning across San Diego County.
Weather forecasters warn that dangerous fire conditions will persist through Friday morning due to the combination of strong winds and extremely low humidity. Any new fires that start could spread rapidly and become difficult to control.
Relief may come this weekend, as meteorologists predict rain and mountain snow will move into Southern California, potentially helping to reduce fire risks by adding much-needed moisture to the parched region.