Wind Advisory, Red Flag Warning Issued As Gusts Increase

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The National Weather Service Thursday issued a wind advisory as Santa Ana winds increased.

Wind gusts were just over 30 mph Thursday morning, but could reach up to 60 mph as the day goes on.

As many as 2,500 homes — in Hollywood, Silver Lake and Los Feliz — were without power Wednesday night as the strong winds knocked down power lines.

Authorities encourage drivers to use extra caution as the winds may make it difficult to drive.

A red flag warning has also been issued, which will be in effect Thursday night through Saturday afternoon as strong winds combined with low humidity and warm weather pose a greater chance of fires spreading rapidly in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department has added more than 200 people to its staff to increase resources.

Inspector Tony Imbrenda with L.A. County Fire told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO crews are concerned about the Southland as a whole, but they are focusing on specific areas.

"We have a number of strike teams that are pre-positioned in the Malibu area, also in the foothills of La Canada Flintridge area," Imbrenda said. "A lot of our 3-man engines that we typically run in those areas are all being staffed with a fourth firefighter today."

Imbrenda added that fire officials expect to maintain increased staffing levels over the next 24 hours.

"It's important to have extra staffing so we can respond appropriately to any new start or any new brush fire in the area," L.A. County Fire Battalion Chief Anthony Marrone told CBS2/KCAL9's Amber Lee. "We have our fire patrol units that are going to be out patrolling today, looking for any signs of fire."