The highways are how Jamey Rose makes a living, but when the wind picks up, he says that’s when the job really gets tough.

Utilities reported widespread outages as gusty conditions intensified throughout the afternoon and evening.

Thursday morning's commute on the 91 Freeway in Riverside turned into an abrupt standstill after a truck fire set off a hazmat scare and shut down both eastbound and westbound lanes at Adams Street.

A suspected serial arsonist was charged with murder in connection with a series of fires in Hollywood, included one that killed two sisters.