Winds began gaining strength across Southern California on Tuesday, as forecasters warned of “life-threatening, destructive” gusts that could last for days while toppling trees, creating dangerous surf and bringing extreme fire risk to areas that haven't seen substantial rain in months.

The region’s utility company said it was prepared to cut power to more than 400,000 customers to try to prevent more blazes.

Wildfires began breaking out in Southern California Tuesday morning as a life-threatening, widespread windstorm that could be one of the most destructive to hit<a class="excerpt-read-more" href=" More