Forecasters warned Southern California could see a “life-threatening, destructive” windstorm this week, as powerful gusts and dropped humidity levels raise the risk for wildfires in parched areas still recovering from a recent destructive blaze.

Southern California faces heightened wildfire dangers this week due to strong winds and low humidity, as per forecasts. The National Weather Service alerts that gusts reaching 80mph are expected across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties from Tuesday into Wednesday.

Southern California is preparing for a fierce windstorm, with gusts threatening to unleash chaos in areas still healing from recent wildfires.

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 expected as winds could peak near 100 mph.