The National Weather Service in Los Angeles is advising residents in the county to remain vigilant as winds are forecasted to intensify overnight into Wednesday. The service has issued warnings due to the potential for strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph and pockets of wind gusts up to 60 mph in mountainous areas.
Tragically, at least 25 individuals have lost their lives in the fires that have ravaged Los Angeles, according to officials. The Palisades Fire has expanded to over 23,700 acres and is currently 18% contained, while the Eaton Fire, burning over 14,117 acres, is 35% contained. In Ventura County, the Auto Fire, which ignited on Monday night, is now 47% contained and has affected 61 acres. The Hurst Fire, located north of Los Angeles, is 97% contained, as reported by Cal Fire.
Despite the winds being less severe than initially predicted on Tuesday, the National Weather Service is cautioning residents that the winds are expected to pick up again in the evening and overnight. The service has not made any official changes to the PDS red flag warnings, the most severe form of warning, which were temporarily lifted on Tuesday. However, the warnings will be re-issued for the same areas starting at 3 a.m. and lasting until 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
