Wind Advisory, Red Flag Warning Issued for Bay Area

By Bay City News Service

Gusty winds and dry weather are expected to combine to create potentially hazardous conditions throughout the Bay Area this week, according to the National Weather Service.

Strong offshore winds were set to develop Wednesday night and sweep through the region Thursday evening through Saturday morning, causing humidity to drop and fire risk to soar, especially at elevations of 1,000 feet or above.

Both a wind advisory and red flag warning were set to take effect at 6 p.m. Thursday in the North and East Bay Hills and in Santa Cruz County and to last through early Saturday morning, National Weather Service meteorologist Suzanne Sims said.

The weather service is advising residents in these areas to be on alert for downed power lines or trees, which could create fire hazards. In addition, the high winds and dropping humidity are expected to create conditions in which fires can start and spread quickly, according to the National Weather Service.

Hunters, campers, prescribed burners and others spending time in the outdoors in the Bay Area are advised to use extreme caution on Thursday and Friday.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection officials said extreme fire conditions are expected throughout the state this week.

"By this time of year conditions in many areas are at their driest of the season," said Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott. "When you add in strong winds, it makes this time of year a perfect recipe for wildfires."

Residents throughout the Bay Area are advised to lessen the fire risk by refraining from mowing dry grass, keeping vehicles off of dry grass, refraining from burning landscape debris such as leaves or branches and target shooting only in approved areas.

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