The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory until 10 p.m. Tuesday due to the strong Santa Ana winds that may affect air quality throughout the area. “Windblown dust and ash contain small particles that may cause irritation or exacerbate pre-existing health conditions,

Santa Anas are the desiccating winds that are common in winter, blowing out of Nevada and Utah and into southwestern California. Carrying dry desert air, they push over the mountains in the Transverse Ranges and accelerate as they move downslope, howling into the canyons and valleys.

At least five wildfires are ravaging Southern California, and the three largest have already killed at least five people, burned tens of thousands of acres and prompted the evacuation of an estimated 179,