LA residents rushing to flee wildfires this week faced choke points, gridlock and the tough decision of whether to abandon their cars to the fire.

A study published Thursday has put the blame for the wildfires ravaging parts of Los Angeles on an emerging climate phenomenon: hydroclimate whiplash. This latest disaster comes on the heels of years of unprecedented weather swings, where periods of above-average rainfall are followed by extensive droughts.

Iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign were engulfed in smoke from the LA wildfires. See before and after photos of famous tourist hotspots.