Thousands could lose power as NWS issues another Red Flag Warning for San Diego County
Jan 18, 2025
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Nearly 100,000 San Diegans could lose power during the next round of power shutoffs after the National Weather Service issued another Red Flag Warning for the region as Santa Ana winds return.
A Red Flag Warning will go into effect from 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20 through 10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 21, for much of inland Southern California, including San Diego County mountains and valleys, according to the National Weather Service.
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The warning will be in place for expected strong gusty winds and low relative humidity amid another round of Santa Ana winds. NWS say humidity could be as low as 5 percent, with northeast and east winds 25 to 35 mph, and gusts 40 to 50 mph, that could get up to 60 mph in the mountain passes and canyons.
The National Weather Service map below shows areas in red under a Red Flag Warning Monday and Tuesday:
Red Flag Warning issued for Southern California from 10 a.m. Monday through 10 p.m. Tuesday (National Weather Service)
A Red Flag Warning means if a fire does start, it could spread rapidly due to the combination of low relative humidity, strong winds and warm temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.
Conditions in San Diego County have been dry, as the region is back in drought conditions after experiencing the driest start to the rainy season in the past 174 years.
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SDG&E on Saturday announced they are notifying 83,609 customers they could lose power from 6 a.m. Monday through noon Wednesday during another round of Public Safety Power Shutoffs because of the Red Flag Warning.
View a map online here of areas at risk for the power shutoffs during the latest Red Flag Warning.
In response to the upcoming Red Flag Warning, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) said it is positioning resources in Ventura, Orange and San Diego counties in advance of the forecast fire weather conditions.
In San Diego County, from Monday to Wednesday morning, standing by will be 1 OES Engine Strike Team, Type 3; 2 Local Government Engine Task Forces; 2 Local Government Water tender, Type 2; 1 Local Government Dispatcher; and 6 Local Government Overhead.
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With wildfires still burning in Los Angeles, you can check the real-time air quality of your city at AirNow.gov.
San Diego County and Alert San Diego advise to be prepared to evacuate if you are in those areas under a Red Flag Warning. The county has tips online for creating a Wildland Fire Action Plan to help residents prepare for a major wildfire.