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.

Much of the Los Angeles area resembled a war zone Wednesday as at least four massive fires raged unchecked and destroyed hundreds of structures, driven by the worst Santa Ana winds to hit the region in more than a decade — winds that were expected to ease slightly by evening but continue into Thursday.

At least two wildfires — in Pacific Palisades and West Hollywood — have started as the worst windstorm in more than a decade blasts SoCal.

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.