Gusty Winds Prompt Red Flag Warning In Dana Point

DANA POINT, CA — Dana Point residents were urged to stay vigilant: A Red Flag Warning will come into effect starting Monday, Dec. 9 due to high winds and low relative humidity.

The warning is in effect from Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather will elevate the potential for new wildfires to spark.

“A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior,” weather service officials said.

The warning comes down for portions of the San Bernardino mountains, Riverside County mountains, Santa Ana Mountains, the Inland Empire, Orange County and the San Gorgonio Pass, officials said.

Residents living in the mentioned areas can expect Santa Ana winds ranging from 30-50 miles per hour.

Isolated gusts to 70 miles per hour were possible on Tuesday in wind-prone locations in the mountains.

The National Weather Services advised Orange County residents that any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly, and residents were urged to avoid lighting campfires, using any mowing, weed-whacking or welding equipment, target shooting, driving near dry grass or smoking in areas with dry vegetation.