High winds that weather officials have called "life-threatening and destructive" are hitting Southern California Tuesday, sparking a major brush fire in Pacific Palisades and prompting thousands of power outages.

On Tuesday at 1:20 a.m. an updated high wind warning was issued by the NWS San Diego CA valid from 4 p.m. until Wednesday 6 p.m. The warning is for San Diego County Inland Valleys, Riverside County Mountains and San Diego County Mountains.

Dire warnings have been issued for the Los Angeles area, with a dangerous threat for the strongest wind event in more than a decade. Outages and extreme fire behaviours are major risks

At least two fires sparked in Southern California on Jan. 7 amid a “life-threatening and destructive” windstorm event that’s sweeping through the region.

On Tuesday at 1:20 a.m. the NWS San Diego CA issued a high wind warning valid from 4 p.m. until Wednesday 2 p.m.

Locations of “greatest concern” in the “life-threatening” and “destructive” windstorm include cities within Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

The strongest winds in more than a decade could hit Southern California, potentially causing structural damage and bringing extreme fire risk to areas that haven’t seen substantial rain in months

Fox LA reporter on the scene reports wildfire's spread causes traffic issues, sets homes and structures ablaze. (KTTV)

Areas not typically windy will be impacted," the weather service said. The storm is expected to last from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning, and bring with it an enhanced risk for fires.