The intense and fast-moving fires that have cut a path of destruction through the suburbs of Los Angeles, killing at least two people, are being driven by the region's powerful Santa Ana winds, with gusts that in some cases surpass hurricane-strength.

We are under a First Alert Weather Alert until 7 this evening due to Santa Ana winds and their impacts. Red Flag Warnings and High Wind Warnings remain in place through this evening across Southern California,

The deadly wildfires in California are being fueled by fierce winds blowing from the interior parts of California towards the coast.

News Storm Team Meteorologist Chris Bouzakis has a look at what the Santa Ana winds are and why they are helping these fires become so destructive.

Extreme wind conditions across Southern California will raise the fire danger level to the maximum today, with Red Flag Warnings in place for much of the area. In addition to the Red Flag Warnings, there are High Wind Warnings in place,

The Santa Ana winds are likely driving their rapid growth. "My sister-in-law — who is pregnant for the first time — said it about my kids." "I really feel like he has no idea, and I can't bring myself to ask him because I don't want to be the one who tells him.

Red flag warnings of critical fire danger will linger across much of SoCal for the rest of the work week, as Santa Ana winds slowly diminish but continue to blast the region at above-normal velocity.