Gusty Santa Ana winds started picking up in the Inland Empire Thanksgiving morning, blowing in elevated fire danger for the Southern California region.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning from 2 p.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Friday for much of Los Angeles County, the San Bernardino County and Santa Ana mountains, Inland Orange County, the San Gorgonio Pass and the Inland Empire.
Red Flag Warnings are in effect for quite a bit of LA and Ventura Counties from 2 pm Thu to 6 pm Fri. Wind gusts up to 50-65 mph mountains and 40-55 mph coasts and valleys. And very low relative humidity. #Cawx #CAFire pic.twitter.com/pLIoqvkK0y
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) November 25, 2020
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Winds from 25 to 36 miles per hour with gusts up to 65 miles per hour plus very low humidity will bring high fire danger, the agency said.
Southern California Edison officials said in a tweet that Public Safety Power shutoffs are under consideration for various Southern California communities due to the weather and elevated fire risk.
To see a map or sign up for alerts go to sce.com/psps.
In Thanksgiving morning tweets, the National Weather Service suggested caution while cooking, as any fires that start could spread rapidly.
“Elevated to critical fire weather conditions will prevail, so you butter use extra caution in the kitchen and avoid outdoor burning,” the agency noted.
Damage from wind gusts such as downed trees and power lines are also a possibility the agency’s Los Angeles office warned.
WINDBLOWN DUST ADVISORY: Strong winds may result in Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or higher air quality levels in #SanBernardino and #Riverside Counties: https://t.co/Y158OoPtBX pic.twitter.com/xeLQf0hX0w
— South Coast AQMD (@SouthCoastAQMD) November 25, 2020
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The South Coast Air Quality Management District noted on Twitter that the windblown particulates could make air quality unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse in parts of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The windblown dust advisory extended along the 15 and 10 freeways between Corona, Riverside and Rancho Cucamonga, and in Riverside County desert communities.
Residents in those areas are advised to remain indoors with windows and doors closed, and avoid physical activity to limit exposure.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
Source: Orange County Register
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