High Wind, Red Flag Warning Extended In Mission Viejo: What To Know

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Stay vigilant, Mission Viejo: dangerous fire weather conditions are expected to stick around the region until Friday, the National Weather Service reported.

The news comes after a High Wind Warning was extended across the county. The warning will last from 6 a.m. Thursday morning to 6 a.m. Friday morning, the NWS said.

Mission Viejo residents can expect brisk winds with gusts up to 65 miles per hour, and isolated gusts up to 75 miles per hour.

"Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, and power outages are possible," the NWS said in a statement. "Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles."

In addition, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect across inland Orange County until 6 p.m. Friday for strong gusty winds and low relative humidity.

"A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly," the NWS said. "A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."

The warnings come as firefighters struggle to gain the upper hand in wildfires burning rapidly across Los Angeles County, including the Palisades Fire burning in West Los Angeles and the Eaton Fire burning in Pasadena.

Smoke from the massive fires prompted authorities to issue an Air Quality Alert for harmful particle pollution levels from windblown dust and wildfire smoke, as well as a mandatory wood-burning ban.

Both alerts will be in effect until Friday, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Orange County residents who see smoke from nearby wildfires were urged to follow the following protocol:

• Remain indoors with windows and doors closed.
• Avoid intense outdoor physical activity.
• Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier.
• If you must be outdoors, keep the time brief and wear a well-fitting N-95 mask.
• Do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air if you have other methods to stay cool.
• Avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment