LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A red flag warning signifying a high risk of wildfire will be in effect in several areas of Southern California today amid strong and gusty Santa Ana winds and humidity levels as low as 5%.
“A Santa Ana wind event will bring widespread critical conditions to most of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Peak wind gusts between 40 and 60 mph with isolated gusts to 70 mph are expected,” according to a National Weather Service statement. “Minimum humidities will lower well below 10 percent, with maximum temperatures between 87 and 97. This is a dangerous situation with an environment ripe for large and fast fire growth, and a Red Flag Warning is in effect as a result.”
The warning was issued for the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains, the Angeles National Forest, and the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, as well as parts of Ventura County.
“If fire ignition occurs, conditions will be favorable for extreme fire behavior and rapid growth, which would threaten life and property,” the statement said.
In inland Orange County, a red flag warning will be in force until 5 p.m. amid winds of 25 to 35 mph, gusting to between 50 and 70 mph.
Also in effect today, amid winds of 25 to 40 miles per hour and gusts of up 60 mph, will be high wind warning in effect until noon in the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains.
“Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines,” warned an NWS statement. “Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for drivers of high-profile vehicles. Secure loose outdoor objects such as lawn furniture. People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees. Use caution if you must drive.”
A slightly less serious wind advisory will be in force until 3 this afternoon in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys amid northeast winds of 20-35 miles per hour and gusts of 40 to 50 miles.
Also in force, until 7 p.m., will be a heat advisory, with the weather service warning that “hot weather may cause heat-related illnesses.”
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Keep an extra eye out for heat-related illnesses in people playing or practicing sports or performing other strenuous activities... Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911.”
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