At least five people are dead and thousands of structures have been damaged or destroyed as fierce wildfires rage in the Los Angeles area.

Fierce wildfires are raging in the Los Angeles area, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, sending residents fleeing from burning homes through flames, ferocious winds and towering clouds of smoke.

Cleanup is underway after a strong storm system spawned hail, rain, high winds and tornadoes across the southern U.S. over the weekend.