Santa Ana Conditions Prompt Wildfire, Wind Warnings In Ramona

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Forecasts predict an extended period of gusty, dry conditions across the San Diego area beginning Wednesday evening, prompting officials to issue warnings of increased wildfire hazards and the potential for public-safety power shutoffs in particularly at-risk locations.

A high wind warning is in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday for the county mountains and valleys, including Ramona.

Santa Ana winds will increase and become widespread across the county late Wednesday, with 50 mph gusts possible in the mountains and the western valleys, according to the National Weather Service.

"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines," forecasters said. "Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."

A red flag warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 10 p.m. Saturday for the county mountains and valleys, including Ramona.

The most intensive critical fire-weather conditions are expected to last from Wednesday night through Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service. On Thursday, humidity levels are slated to drop as low as 10 percent in some places, with poor overnight recovery.

"Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly," forecasters said. "Damaging winds could occur, capable of downing trees and power lines."

Due to the wildfire warning, San Diego Gas & Electric on Tuesday notified about 88,700 of its customers in inland communities that they could be subject to public-safety power shutoffs from Wednesday night into the weekend, and potentially through next Monday.

The Santa Ana weather pattern is likely to continue into next week, though likely in a weakened manner, according to the National Weather Service.

By City News Service; Patch editor Kristina Houck contributed to this report.