Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
After weaker than expected winds, extreme fire conditions are predicted for Wednesday
Tall palm trees sway during extreme gusty winds in Van Nuys on Tuesday as high winds create dangerous conditions and drive brush fires.
(
Richard Vogel
/
AP
)
Dangerous winds did not arrive to portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties as predicted Tuesday, but extreme fire weather conditions are forecast for between 3 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
The agency had issued a "particularly dangerous" warning of extreme Santa Ana winds for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Spot fires — which can happen when embers travel because of the wind gusts — have an 80% chance of occurring, according to L.A. Fire Department spokesperson Erik Scott.
Focus of extreme winds now on Wednesday
NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittell officials "are still concerned about one last [wind] enhancement" through Wednesday, noting that peak wind speed could go up to between 50 mph to 70 mph for targeted areas — particularly in Ventura County.
Support for LAist comes from
Extreme fire weather is now predicted for Wednesday, between 3 a.m. and 3 p.m. in areas circled in purple.
(
National Weather Service
)
He added some areas where the Eaton Fire is burning would likely fall under Wednesday's warning.
"But that's really just for the upper reaches that fire," he said. "Pretty confident now the lower elevations will not see the winds of concern."
Those winds, even if they come to pass, won't be as fierce as those felt last week.
A break in fire weather starting Thursday
A brief respite in fire weather is forecast starting Thursday into Saturday.
But there's more potential trouble ahead with a 40% chance for another bout of strong winds starting next week.
Support for LAist comes from
Adding to these continuing dry and crispy conditions is the lack of rain in the forecast. Next week's conditions will be so dry, it is defined as the "driest third of climatologically observed precipitation for mid to late January."
"The big moral of the story is that at least to the end of next week, which would be Jan. 25th, really not seeing any significant rain chances, really none to speak of," Kittell said.
On Tuesday, the National Weather Service said there is 40 to 60 percent chance of Santa Ana winds from January 22 to January 25, a period of "critical fire weather conditions" aggravated by dry weather. The exact timing and strength of the winds are still unclear.
Red flag warnings
The red flag warnings for four Southern California counties are slated to expire Wednesday.
The weather service, however, has extended the warnings to Thursday for communities like Acton and Santa Clarita.
Support for LAist comes from
Red flag warnings for Wednesday and Thursday.
(
National Weather Service
)
For an overview of the Palisades and Eaton fires, go here. For more on what a red flag warning means, go here.
Be ready to leave
Authorities have underscored the need for people to heed evacuation orders and warnings. Lives are at risk as fire can quickly overtake whole neighborhoods, as we’ve see in the Palisades and Eaton fires. At least 24 people have died.
- Before: Your very short guide to getting packed up right now to evacuate
- During: A very short guide for how to leave your house if you need to evacuate
- After: I had to evacuate my home, what do I do next?
Do you have a question about the wildfires or fire recovery?
Check out LAist.com/FireFAQs to see if your question has already been answered. If not, submit your questions here, and we’ll do our best to get you an answer.
_
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist