Red Flag Fire Conditions An Unwelcome Christmas Eve Present In OC

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Santa Ana winds return to Orange County Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, prompting a warning for fire danger in the overnight hours.

A red flag warning of severe wildfire threat will take effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday for the bulk of Orange County. In the north, the red flag warning is in place for Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles County Mountains, the Angeles National Forest, the coastal region stretching into downtown Los Angeles and the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.

The warning will remain in place until noon Thursday, Christmas Eve.

"Gusty Santa Ana winds are expected to increase rapidly across Los Angeles and Ventura counties earlier Wednesday morning, then peak in strength Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night when wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph are expected across wind-favored areas," according to the National Weather Service. "Humidity levels are expected to fall to around 15% by mid-morning Wednesday in downslope areas, with widespread drying down to 3 to 10% Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning."

According to forecasters, the red flag warning means there is a potential for rapid fire spread should a blaze erupt, along with "extreme fire behavior."

"This is the time to get set with assembling your emergency supply kit and knowing your evacuation route," according to the NWS.

Power outages are possible for 35,418 Los Angeles County residents and 11,455 Orange County residents, according to Southern California Edison.

Whenever high winds are forecast, Southern California Edison customers in affected areas could potentially have their power temporarily turned off as part of an effort to prevent energized electrical lines damaged by gusts and possibly sparking wildfires.

Orange County residents have had their share of evacuations and fire activity in the fall of 2020, with the Silverado Fire and Bond Fires striking the area of Irvine and Lake Forest in November and December.

Be sure and sign up for www.AlertOC.org and register for alerts.

Is your home at risk of a power shutoff? Find out if you will be affected by outages at www.sce.com/psps.

Power out? SCE offers hotel discounts (at participating hotels) for customers experiencing an extended outage.

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