Red Flag Warning: 'Strongest Wind Event Of Year' May Hit Bay Area

NORTH BAY, CA — The National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area has issued another red flag warning for the North Bay mountains and East Bay hills, saying a "significant offshore wind event, likely the strongest of the year, will develop over the region on Sunday and peak Sunday night into early Monday morning."

The red flag warning — meaning critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly— takes effect at 11 a.m. Sunday and continues through 11 a.m. Tuesday.

"Winds will intensify and become out of the north-northeast," the weather service said. "Strongest wind gusts are expected over the highest peaks and ridges, but these winds are expected to mix down into the valleys and reach the coastline. Winds at lower levels are likely expected from 20-30 mph, with occasional gusts up to 50 mph. Winds at higher elevations will be 25-40 mph, with gusts from 60 to 70 mph."

The forecast of strong winds led to the issuance of a high wind watch from 4 p.m. Sunday to Monday at 9 a.m. for the North Bay, East Bay, San Francisco Peninsula, Bay Shorelines, Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Santa Clara Valley.

"The North Bay Valleys, East Bay Valleys, San Francisco Peninsula, Bay Shoreline, Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Santa Clara Valley will be added to the Red Flag Warning by 8 PM Sunday evening as the winds will further dry conditions and strengthen," the weather service said.

"While winds diminish Monday morning, but dry conditions and the offshore wind direction will remain prompting the Red Flag Warning to remain through Tuesday morning."