Tens of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes as a brush fire in the Pacific Palisades grew to nearly 20,000 acres by Friday.

The gusty winds that helped spread multiple wildfires gradually subsided on Wednesday afternoon, but dry conditions mean less potent winds could still be dangerous. More strong winds are expected later Thursday.

The strongest winds likely reached their peak overnight in Southern California, but powerful offshore gusts will continue throughout the day on Wednesday as the winds start to blow more from the east to northeast.

What we know about the California wildfires. Fierce wildfires burning out of control in the greater Los Angeles area have killed at least six people and forced nearly 180,000 more