Los Angeles is under a state of emergency after three fast-moving wildfires exploded in size Tuesday, prompting evacuations affecting some 30,000 people. Over 1,400 firefighters are battling the massive fires in L.A.'s Pacific Palisades neighborhood; north of San Fernando; and in Altadena. Forecasters are warning of “near perfect” fire conditions today with wind gusts nearing 100 miles per hour. Much of the region hasn't seen significant rainfall in over eight months, and last summer was among Southern California’s hottest on record.

Meanwhile, a major winter storm brought snowy and icy conditions to the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, with at least seven deaths blamed on the storms.