A rare Particularly Dangerous Situation warning has been issued for Southern California as a powerful and potentially damaging Santa Ana wind event is expected.The National Weather Service announced a PDS warning will be in effect in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

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.

As recovery efforts continue in Southern California, Santa Ana winds are expected to return, increasing the fire risk and prolonging containment efforts in the region this week as of Jan. 20.