Climate Scientist Details When Worst Of California Wildfires Will Happen As Flames Tear Through Glossy LA Neighborhoods

A climate scientist warned that the worst part of the Los Angeles wildfires is not over as the winds spreading the flames were still peaking.

"This event is not only not over, but it is just getting started and will get significantly worse before it gets better," UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain said in a press briefing on Tuesday. Winds were forecast to peak between 10 pm Tuesday and 5am Wednesday, local time. Lowest levels of humidity also play a role in fanning the flames.

However, widespread gusts of wind were still blowing later on Wednesday, with the Washington Post reporting areas with gusts of 50 to 80 mph and areas of 80 to 100 mph. The strongest winds were recorded in areas of higher elevations of mountains and foothills, as well as canyons and around passes.

The National Weather Service said winds should gradually weaken throughout the day but the worst of it was expected to continue during Wednesday morning. "Dangerous fire weather conditions are ongoing in southern California with the most extreme conditions expected this morning," the NWS said.

National Weather Service meteorologist Rich Thompson said these could be the strongest wind event since the 2011 windstorm that affected Pasadena, Altadena and other San Gabriel Valley neighborhoods. That episode left at least $40 million in damages.

Firefighters battling the fires are also facing another critical challenge as hydrants in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood ran dry, hampering efforts to control the fast-moving blaze. Firefighters reported water shortages over internal radio systems, with one reportedly saying "The hydrants are down," and another adding, "Water supply just dropped."

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) acknowledged reports of diminished water flow but could not confirm the number of hydrants affected or the scope of the issue. "This area is served by water tanks, and close coordination is underway to continue supplying the area," the DWP said in a statement. Crews were dispatched to address the situation and ensure water availability.

The Palisades fire has already destroyed homes and businesses, forcing about 45,000 residents to evacuate. The fire, which has burned nearly 3,000 acres, remains uncontained, with strong winds worsening the situation and hindering firefighting efforts. Mandatory evacuations were expanded to include eastern Glendale, all of La Cañada Flintridge and northern Monrovia.

Two other fires near Altadena and Sylmar also remain uncontained, and evacuation orders have been issued for these areas as well. Schools in Santa Monica, Malibu, and Pasadena will be closed on Wednesday due to the fires.

President Joe Biden, who has been briefed regularly on the situation, urged residents to stay alert and follow the guidance of local authorities. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized funds to assist in the firefighting efforts.