The National Weather Service issued its fifth 'Particularly Dangerous Situation' Red Flag Warning of the season due to powerful Santa Ana winds sweeping through Southern California. The strong winds, coupled with extremely dry conditions, pose a significant risk for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior. Residents, particularly those living near wildland interfaces, are urged to prepare for potential evacuations.
Powerful Santa Ana winds are forecast for Southern California as another significant wind event is expected for portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The National Weather Service issued the fifth 'Particularly Dangerous Situation' Red Flag Warning of the season Monday. On average, one is issued every five to ten years, according to FOX 11 chief meteorologist Adam Krueger. The forecast is now showing even stronger winds than previously predicted, particularly north of Los Angeles.
The red flag warning is in effect Monday at noon through 10 a.m. Tuesday. Additionally, a fire weather watch remains in effect from Tuesday evening through Thursday evening. Northeasterly winds will start to ramp up in the morning hours on Monday and will accelerate, moving out of the mountains toward the coast. Wind gusts will start to increase up to 65 mph at the valley floor and up to 100 mph at the highest elevations. The winds will peak Monday evening and overnight but extend into Tuesday morning. 'If the winds are moderate to somewhat strong, they usually kind of funnel around the San Gabriel Mountains right here. But if they're really strong, they can go over the mountains creating a mountain wave, which can actually add a little extra boost to the winds. And I think that's why we're seeing, especially in some spots north of LA, potential on our model here for gusts that could exceed 60 mph,' Krueger said. Along with the extremely dry fuels, this will create extremely critical fire-weather conditions and rapid spread with any fires,' according to the National Weather Service. These dry conditions last through Friday of next week. By mid-day Tuesday, there will still be some very strong winds in some areas, as well as relative humidity. Single-digit relative humidity is forecast for Monday afternoon, and extremely dry air lingers into Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday, another moderate Santa Ana wind event with northeast winds is forecast, again bringing extremely dry air to a large part of the region, Krueger added. According to the latest forecast, red flag warnings may continue Tuesday night through Thursday. Due to the strong winds and very low relative humidity values, life-threatening fire weather conditions will ensue. New or existing fire conditions will have a high risk for very rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior.Those living near wildland interfaces should be prepared to evacuate if a wildfire breaks out. 'Take action now to prepare your home and loved ones for another round of EXTREME WIND and FIRE WEATHER,' the NWS warned. This comes as more than 14,000 structures have been destroyed since Jan. 7 in the Palisades and Eaton fires, leading to the event being labeled as one of the costliest disasters in U.S. history. The Palisades Fire has burned nearly 24,000 acres and is 56% contained. The Eaton Fire has burned over 14,000 acres and is 81% contained
SANTA ANA WINDS WILDFIRES CALIFORNIA RED FLAG WARNING FIRE WEATHER EVACUATIONS NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
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