The fierce Santa Ana winds that stoked a blaze that scorched thousands of acres near Los Angeles will wallop San Diego County early Wednesday, in the start of what forecasters say could be a week or more of off-and-on lashings in a region that’s drier than it’s been in years.

The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire in California are spurring evacuations as strong Santa Ana winds stoke the flames. Follow live updates.

Residents abandoned their cars and fled on foot, as high winds fueled flames raging between Santa Monica and Malibu. Officials warned it could worsen overnight.

Southern California's Palisades Fire, fueled by a strong windstorm, has grown to 1,261 acres and prompted the city of Los Angeles to declare a state of emergency as 30,000 people have been forced to evacuate.