Strong gusty winds are expected for hours in the region, and about 74,000 Southern California Edison customers in Riverside and San Bernardino counties have been warned that power could be shut off for public safety.

A major "diablo wind" — notorious in autumn for its hot, dry gusts — is expected to whip up across Northern California on Thursday evening, causing humidity levels to drop and raising the risk of wildfires.

Gusty Santa Ana winds and warmer temperatures have officials concerned about an increased chance of wildfires erupting in Southern California heading into the weekend. Red flag warnings have been issued for most mountain and valley locations of Los Angeles and Ventura counties from 9 a.