Dire warnings have been issued for the Los Angeles area after forecasters say there is the potential for the strongest wind event in more than a decade. A "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Fire Weather Warning is also posted as winds could peak near 100 mph.

Forecasters warned that a significant Santa Ana wind event this week could help wildfires spread quickly and erratically. Utility companies said they may pre-emptively cut off power to some customers.

As a major winter storm batters the Midwest and East Coast, the National Weather Service is warning a destructive windstorm could hit Southern California.