SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Santa Ana winds forecast to bring very dry air to Southern California mountains and valleys this week have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag Warning due to the increased risk of fire danger. Some San Diego County residents might also have their power shut off on Monday to help reduce the risk of wildfires, SDG&E said Saturday evening.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Monday to 4 a.m. Wednesday for all Southern California mountains, the Inland Empire and San Diego County valleys due to strong gusty Santa Ana winds and low relative humidity, the National Weather Service (NWS) reports.
The weather service is forecasting wind gusts in the valley areas to get up to 35 to 45 mph, and up to 60 mph in mountains and passes, which could cause fires to spread rapidly. Winds are expected to be the strongest on Tuesday.
A Red Flag Warning is put into effect when warm temperatures, low humidity and strong wind conditions combine to create an increased risk of fire danger.
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) said Saturday night it has notified 115,000 customers their power might be turned off as early as Monday afternoon in an effort to help reduce the risk of wildfires. Residents that could be impacted were notified Saturday by phone, text and email.
SDG&E has activated its Emergency Operations Center, which will monitor conditions around the clock. The utility company also said it will notify customers when Community Resource Centers are activated for impacted areas.
SDG&E said power will be restored for those impacted once weather conditions improve and that residents should remain vigilant in case any unplanned power outages occur.
The public is advised not to burn outdoors during the warning. Also not to throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. Never leave a fire unattended as sparks or embers can blow into dry brush and ignite a fire which can spread quickly under the conditions.
View real-time information on power outages at sdge.com/outage.
Never approach a downed line. Report it by calling 911 or SGD&E’s call center at 800-411-7343.
