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California is in Flames, Santa Ana Winds to Blame

1621 Views 1 Liked Posted on: October 31st 2019

California is in Flames, Santa Ana Winds to Blame

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The Santa Ana winds are strong, very dry winds that originate inland and travel toward the Southern California Coast and northern Baja, California. The strong Santa Ana winds are the result of a combination of high pressure and frigid, dry air from Canada. The biggest Santa Ana wind event since 2007 has been going on in California since Tuesday night, rendering the wildfires even more difficult to fight. The National Weather Service warned the public of strong potential for “very rapid spreading, long-range spotting and extreme fire behavior with any new fire ignitions.”

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In some of the most expensive property in Los Angeles (LA), Brentwood and the Pacific Palisades, over 20,000 residents had to evacuate in the middle of Monday night. The fire is now 15% contained (as of Tuesday night) but has destroyed or damaged 17 homes. Currently there are more than 1,100 firefighters assigned to the Getty Fire (which started near the famous Getty Center just north of LA). The cause of the fire was a tree branch that fell on utility lines. The Santa Ana winds are expected to increase late Tuesday with strong gusts (up to 80 mph) and strong, steady (between 50-70 mph) wind at least until Thursday.

Already, 43 counties throughout California are under red flag warnings and more than 2 million people could lose power again. Firefighters braced for a fire event of historic proportions expected to start Tuesday night, according to California Governor Gavin Newsom.

 The governor declared a statewide emergency as tens of thousands of acres burned and more than 180,000 people in Northern California were evacuated with many more evacuations and destruction of property expected. The most positive outcome has been the rapid response of the US government. According to Newsom, “FEMA* has been extraordinary, the Trump administration has been extraordinarily supportive and helpful. Every request we have made has been granted.” He added that people aren’t focused on their differences right now, but on helping each other.

*FEMA = Federal Emergency Management Agency

Click on the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNnKYqOBLIs

inland = à l'intérieur des terres

wildfire = un incendie

to spread = (ici) s'étendre

long-range spotting = un long rayon d'action 

behavior = (ici) fonctionnement

ignition = un départ de feu

to contain = juguler

currently = actuellement

utility lines = des lignes des fournisseurs

gust = une bourrasque

at least = au moins

under warning = sous avertissement

could lose power = (ici) avoir la possibilité d’être privé d'électricité

to brace (for) = se tenir prêt

emergency = état d'urgence

acre = un demi-hectare (4047 m2)

outcome = une issue positive

supportive = se soutenir

helpful = serviable

to grant = exaucer

to focus = se concentrer sur

to help each other = s'entraider

Posted in: News

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