Worsening Wind Forecast Brings New L.A.-Area Fire Risk Beginning Monday
The Santa Ana wind forecast for Southern California has worsened, and forecasters now expect to issue a red flag fire weather warning starting Monday, with the “risk of large fire growth” should ignitions occur.
Red Flag Warning Expected for Wide Swaths of Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties
A red flag warning — indicating critical fire weather conditions and rapid fire spread with any new ignition — could go into effect for wide swaths of Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties starting at 10 a.m. Monday and continuing through 10 p.m. Tuesday.
Firefighters Racing Against Time to Contain Blazes
Over the weekend, firefighters raced against the new threat of powerful winds to increase containment of the wildfires still burning in Pacific Palisades and Altadena — areas that fall under the red flag warning.
Containment Efforts Underway
As of Sunday morning, the Palisades fire, which has burned more than 23,700 acres, destroyed more than 4,900 structures, and has killed at least 10 people, was 52% contained, according to Cal Fire. The Eaton fire, which has burned more than 14,000 acres, destroyed more than 9,300 structures, and killed at least 17 people, was 81% contained.
Residents Urged to Prepare for Strong Winds
With the worsening wind forecast, residents are urged to prepare for strong gusts, secure loose outdoor items, and take necessary precautions to prevent fires. “This is a time to act, yet again,” said Rose Schoenfeld, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Oxnard. “People should be prepared to evacuate and take steps including preparing medication, putting fuel in cars, looking at evacuation routes, and signing up for emergency notifications from local authorities.”
High Wind Gusts Expected
Gusts could be so powerful they may knock over big rigs and motor homes and trigger power outages that could last days, the weather service said. Sustained winds from the east and northeast could reach 25 mph to 40 mph, with gusts of up to 65 mph across the coast and valleys in a traditional Santa Ana wind corridor.
Fire Weather Concerns Will Persist Through the Week
Fire weather concerns will persist through the week, Schoenfeld said, with more Santa Ana winds possible by Thursday. The weather service could end the red flag warning on Tuesday or extend it through Thursday.
Conclusion
The worsening wind forecast brings a new level of risk for fire growth in the Los Angeles area, and residents are urged to take necessary precautions to prevent fires. With the dry conditions and strong winds, it is crucial for everyone to be prepared and take necessary steps to ensure their safety.
FAQs
Q: What is the red flag warning?
A: A red flag warning indicates critical fire weather conditions and rapid fire spread with any new ignition.
Q: What areas are under the red flag warning?
A: Wide swaths of Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.
Q: What are the expected wind gusts?
A: Sustained winds from the east and northeast could reach 25 mph to 40 mph, with gusts of up to 65 mph across the coast and valleys in a traditional Santa Ana wind corridor.
Q: What is the risk of fire growth?
A: The risk of large fire growth should ignitions occur.
Q: What can I do to prepare for the strong winds?
A: Secure loose outdoor items, prepare medication, put fuel in cars, look at evacuation routes, and sign up for emergency notifications from local authorities.
