Red flag warnings issued for parts of Southern California ahead of high winds
Red flag warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for the valleys and mountains of Los Angeles County, portions of the Inland Empire, and San Bernardino Mountain area ahead of Santa Ana winds expected to blow through the region in the next few days.
Moderate Santa Ana winds are expected to develop Friday morning and continue through Saturday in the LA area. The winds will hit the Inland Empire and San Bernardino Mountain area through Friday. Wind gusts between 30-45 miles per hour are expected in many parts of LA County and portions of the Inland Empire and San Bernardino Mountain area.
Stronger gusts reaching up to 50 mph could hit the LA valley and mountain areas Friday afternoon through the night, according to NWS meteorologist, Rose Schoenfeld..
A red flag warning is the National Weather Service’s way of communicating to the public that conditions for fire spread are strong.
Strong winds, very dry conditions coupled with available fuel pose an elevated risk for the rapid spread of a wildfire, said NWS meteorologist Philip Gonsalves.
“This sort of environment supports rapid fire growth,” said Schoenfeld.
Temperatures are expected to be warmer this weekend for the LA region, including near the coast which will see temperatures in the low 80s.
The Inland Empire will see high temperatures through that region’s red flag warning. While the San Bernardino mountains will likely be in the 50s and 60s.
Schoenfeld advises residents to have a wildfire plan and maintain a “go” kit that individuals can easily grab in the case of an evacuation.
Gonsalves similarly said to avoid any outdoor activity that could generate a spark of any kind.
Possible power outages in LA, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties are being considered due to this weekend’s extreme wind event, according to SoCal Edison.
The red flag warning for the LA area will be in effect Friday morning until Saturday afternoon. The warning for the Inland Empire and San Bernardino Mountain area will be in effect until Friday evening.