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.

The Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires covered more than 5,600 acres of Southern California as of Wednesday morning. Tens of thousands were under mandatory evacuation orders but the fires increased in size overnight, helped by the blustery Santa Ana winds.

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,

Dry conditions, gusty winds, and low relative humidity are all hitting San Diego County at the same time leading to critical fire concerns for the region.

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.

A damaging Santa Ana wind event was peaking early Wednesday and was expected to stay strong through early afternoon.