The original item was published from 9/26/2020 10:23:00 AM to 9/26/2020 1:23:00 PM.

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Posted on: September 25, 2020

[ARCHIVED] Red Flag Warning Expanded to include all of Santa Rosa/ Sonoma County

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF SANTA ROSA/SONOMA COUNTY FROM 9PM SATURDAY (9/26) TO 11AM MONDAY (9/28) FOR WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY

Note: The Red Flag Warning was previously only for the upper elevations and was shorter in duration.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning which is in effect from 9PM Saturday (9/26) to 11AM Monday (9/28).

WIND
Northeast winds 15 to 25 mph Saturday Night into early Sunday morning with gusts from 35 to 50 mph likely in the hills above 1500 feet of northeast Sonoma and Napa counties. Winds will ease during the daylight hours of Sunday but then another burst of offshore winds will develop Sunday night into Monday morning. The winds on Sunday night will turn more easterly direction.

HUMIDITY
Humidity 30-45% Saturday evening will dry out overnight as offshore winds develop to less then 25% by sunrise Sunday. Relative humidity values staying steady from 10-25% Sunday into early Monday with no humidity recovery Sunday night.

HIGHEST THREAT
The hills of northeast Sonoma county and Napa county above 1000 feet. Strongest winds near Mount Saint Helena as well as Mount Tamalpais in Marin county. Persistent offshore winds will reach all the way to the coast Sunday night so coastal Sonoma county including the Wallbridge and Woodward fire in Point Reyes will feel the effects of the drying offshore winds.

IMPACTS
Any fires that develop will spread rapidly in the hot, dry and windy weather.

PRECAUTIONARY & PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.