Powerful winds fueling the California wildfires are expected through Friday

Red flag warnings have been extended through Friday for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties as gusty winds whip across the area and multiple fires burn out of control.

A red flag warning means the combination of warm temperatures, low humidities and strong winds are expected to increase the risk of fire.

"Critical fire weather will last through Friday for portions of LA and Ventura counties, including major wildfire locations such as the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire," the NWS says. "Gusty winds and very dry conditions will continue to fuel fire starts and existing fires. Please use extreme caution with any ignition source and stay alert to the forecast and follow instructions from local officials."

Another round of winds from the northeast are expected to develop Thursday, with winds strengthening and "another moderate to locally strong Santa Ana wind event is forecast," the agency says. Widespread wind gusts of 35 to 55 mph will occur before increasing by 10 to 15 mph overnight through Friday morning. This, combined with extremely low humidity, is conducive to fueling flames.

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The winds have gradually weakened since reaching up to 100 mph in some places since the fires began.

The Santa Ana winds — dry, gusty winds that blow toward the coast — have fueled the fires in Southern California this week. They are relatively common in the region, but meteorologists say the current strength is abnormal.

"The typical strengths of the winds are on the order of, say, 30 to 60 mph when they occur, a couple times a year," Ariel Cohen, chief meteorologist for the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office, told NPR's Morning Edition. "Every once in a while we get a much stronger Santa Ana wind event like what we had over the past 24 to 36 hours, in which case we ended up with a widespread, life-threatening and destructive windstorm."

A wind advisory will remain in effect until at least 2 p.m. PT on Friday. The NWS advises those in the area to stay at least 100 feet away from downed power lines and call 911.

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Fire resources and tips

If you have to evacuate

• Cheat sheet: Your very short guide to getting packed up right now to evacuate
• Cheat sheet: A very short guide for how to leave your house if you need to evacuate

If you have more time:

• Every day is now fire season. Let's get you ready for the next wildfire burning near you

Things to consider

• Evacuation terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean and how to sign up for alerts
• This is why fire officials don't want you to stay and defend your home

Navigating fire conditions

• Cheat sheet: Your very short guide to driving in high winds and fire danger
• High winds and fires mean power outages. Here's how to prep

How to help yourself and others

• Resources for SoCal fire victims, evacuees and first responders
• What to do — and not do — when you get home after a wildfire
• If you want to help fire victims, resist the urge to volunteer

Understanding how it got this bad

• Yes, wildfires are getting worse. The history that got us to this moment

NPR's Rachel Treisman and Ayana Archie contributed to this report.
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