99-mph winds bring night of terror as fires devastate SoCal communities

Extraordinarily powerful winds and gusts — of up to 99 mph — have been reported as three major wildfires burn homes and businesses in Los Angeles County on Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service reported a gust of 99 mph near Altadena at 10:20 p.m. Tuesday; 98 mph near Woodland Hills at 9:37 p.m.; and 84 mph at Hollywood Burbank Airport at 8:30 p.m.

Officials said this was not a typical Santa Ana wind event, though it is indeed bringing dry, offshore winds to the area. Forecasters warned the event could be accompanied by a weather phenomenon that can cause short-lived but extremely destructive winds; its effects were expected to be felt particularly in the San Gabriel foothills and valleys.