SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A Red Flag Warning has been issued for San Diego County ahead of another bout of strong Santa Ana winds setting in this week. The National Weather Service had previously issued a High Wind Watch for much of the region due to winds that are expected to hit speeds of anywhere from 25 to 35 miles per hour with individual gusts of up to 55. Combined with relative low humidity and a lack of significant rainfall keeping moisture in vegetation at minimal levels, this wind event could create for an increased risk of fire danger — the ingredients necessary for NWS to issue a Red Flag Warning. What is a Red Flag Warning and why is it important? The Red Flag Warning will go into effect Wednesday at 4 a.m. — around when the Santa Ana event is expected to begin its peak — and remain in place until 6 p.m. Thursday. Areas impacted by the alert span the San Diego's inland valleys, mountains and deserts along the eastern mountain slopes. This includes communities like El Cajon, Julian, Campo, Mount Laguna, Santee, Escondido and Poway. The Red Flag Warning was issued hours after San Diego Gas & Electric began alerting customers to potential public safety power shutoffs. As of 1:30 p.m., more than 64,000 households and businesses have been notified their power might be cut in the coming days. SDG&E warns thousands of potential public safety power shutoffs The period of concern with these shutoffs begins at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, according to the utility company. Despite this fire danger, a cold area of low pressure will sweep down south at the same time, generating some cooler afternoon temperatures and potentially light rain for desert-facing mountain slopes. The winds are expected to ease by Thursday, but another round of strong winds will be riding its coattails. This second round will likely begin developing Thursday into Friday morning and linger into the weekend.