Red-Flag Warning In Effect Through Thursday Evening

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A red-flag warning was in effect across the Southland Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The warning will be in place from 5 a.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Thursday in the valleys of the Ventura and Los Angeles counties, the NWS said.

A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures could create extreme fire danger.

In Orange County, volunteer fire watchers turned out in blaze-prone areas to look for flame and smoke, to act as deterrents and encourage motorists to practice responsible behavior with the increased fire risk.

RELATED: Live Los Angeles Weather Forecast

Winds ranged between 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph early Wednesday. They caused damage in several neighborhoods including toppling trees over and blowing street signs and flags off their stands.

"At first we thought it was something had hit the house, and I heard my mom scream out 'What was that?' So I came outside and seen the tree laying across here," Lake View Terrace resident Frank Clark said.

No injuries were reported.

The strong winds should peak midday with a lull expected in the afternoon. They will again pick up again Wednesday evening through Thursday morning.

Relative humidity should be between seven and 15 percent, according to officials.