Extremely dangerous situation with red flag warning for the Los Angeles area

Forecasters have issued red flag warnings across much of Southern California, telling the public that conditions present an “extremely dangerous situation.”

The National Weather Service warned residents of Los Angeles and Ventura counties about the potentially dangerous situation. The area is expecting wind gusts of 100 to 130 km/h in the mountains and foothills of the two provinces, while isolated areas will see gusts of up to 160 km/h.

Wind gusts of 80 to 110 km per hour are also expected in wind-prone coastal and valley areas.

Wind, combined with a drop in humidity of up to 8-15%, creates ‘highly volatile conditions’.

“If a fire occurs, conditions are favorable for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior that would endanger life and property,” the National Weather Service said. “With the threat of even stronger Santa Ana winds and drier fuels during the Santa Ana event on Wednesday and Thursday, there will be an increased risk of long-distance spotting.”

In addition to the red flag warning, the area is also under a high wind warning. Forecasters say damaging winds could knock out our energy and make travel difficult. They urged residents to beware of falling debris.

Cal Fire reported several new fires Wednesday that have not yet been contained. Among them, the Ventura County Mountain Fire forced officials to open a shelter after it destroyed nearly 1,000 acres. The fire also led to evacuation orders around Somis, California.