Tens of thousands fled their homes as a brush fire in the Pacific Palisades quickly spread to nearly 3,000 acres Tuesday, a blaze that authorities said could grow further as even stronger winds are expected through the night.

Wildfires and strong winds in Southern California have devastated the region burning thousands of acres and causing at least 30,000 evacuations.

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

CBS News Los Angeles reporter Tom Wait reports on the ferocious winds that have been fueling the devastating wildfires burning in Southern California.

As the Pacific Palisades fire scorched more than 200 acres, billowing smoke was visible for miles. One surfer road a wave, with smoke in the background. Two other people laid on the sand, a white plume nearly filling the sky behind them. And a pair of bicyclists pedaled along the beach against an afternoon sky made twilight by the looming smoke.

Parts of Santa Monica were ordered to be evacuated as fast-moving flames destroyed homes along the coast in Los Angeles. Winds were picking up overnight, potentially fueling the fires.

Three wildfires are currently impacting Los Angeles and Ventura counties, prompting thousands of people to evacuate, schools to close and power lines to be shut off.

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 the region in over a decade roars to life and creates extremely dangerous fire weather conditions.

A life-threatening, destructive and widespread Santa Ana wind event is forecast for Southern California Tuesday into Wednesday. Fire danger is very high as well. Here’s what you can expect.