High Wind Warning and Red Flag Alert in Effect for nevada and California
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A potent combination of strong winds and low humidity has triggered both a wind advisory and a red flag warning for several counties in Nevada and California, effective today, June 21, 2025. The National Weather Service urges residents to take necessary precautions to protect property and prevent wildfires.
Wind Advisory Details
The wind advisory is in effect from 11 AM to 11 PM PDT this evening. Affected areas include:
- California: Mono County (below 7000 feet), Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties
- Nevada: Northern Washoe County, Western Nevada Basin and Range (including pyramid Lake), greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area, Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties
West winds are expected to blow steadily at 25 to 35 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph. Wind-prone areas could experience even stronger gusts, up to 65 mph. Blowing dust may reduce visibility to 1-3 miles in the Nevada Basin and Range and Mineral County. Pyramid Lake could see wave heights between 2 to 4 feet.
Did You Know? Strong winds can substantially increase evaporation rates, exacerbating drought conditions in already arid regions.
Impacts of the Wind Advisory
The primary impacts of these gusty winds include unsecured objects being blown around, potential tree limb damage, and possible power outages. In the Davis Fire burn area, winds may knock down burned trees, posing an additional hazard.
Red Flag Warning Details
The red flag warning remains in effect until midnight PDT tonight. This warning covers a broad area, including:
- Fire Weather zone 274 Southern Mono County
- Fire Weather Zone 278 Eastern Lassen County
- Fire Weather Zone 420 northern Sierra Front (including Carson City, douglas, Storey, Southern Washoe, Western Lyon, and Far Southern Lassen Counties)
- Fire Weather Zone 421 Southern Sierra Front (including alpine, Northern Mono, southern Lyon, and Western Mineral Counties)
- Fire Weather Zone 423 West Humboldt Basin in Pershing County
- Fire Weather Zone 429 Lahontan Basin (including Churchill and Eastern mineral Counties)
- Fire Weather Zone 458 Northern Washoe County
Southwest to west winds are expected to blow at 20-25 mph, with gusts reaching 40-45 mph. wind-prone areas may see gusts of 50-60 mph at times. Minimum humidity levels will range from 5-15% in the afternoon, with overnight recoveries improving to 50-80% Saturday morning outside of Mono and Mineral counties.
Pro Tip: Download a weather app to receive real-time alerts and updates on changing weather conditions in yoru area.
Fire Risk
The combination of gusty winds and low humidity creates a high risk of fire. Any spark could rapidly grow into a large and intense wildfire before first responders can contain it.According to the national Interagency Fire Center,as of June 2024,over 25,000 wildfires have burned more than 1.2 million acres across the United States [1].
Precautionary Measures
Residents are urged to take the following precautions:
- Secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, holiday decorations, and trash cans.
- Prepare for potential power outages by having extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries, and/or candles.
- Avoid outdoor activities that could cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires.
- Follow local fire restrictions.
| Area | Warning Type | Wind Conditions | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mono County, CA | Wind Advisory & Red Flag Warning | 25-35 mph, gusts up to 50 mph (65 mph in prone areas) | 5-15% |
| Lassen County, CA | Wind Advisory & Red flag Warning | 25-35 mph, gusts up to 50 mph (65 mph in prone areas) | 5-15% |
| Washoe County, NV | Wind Advisory & Red Flag Warning | 25-35 mph, gusts up to 50 mph (65 mph in prone areas) | 5-15% |
| Reno-Carson City-Minden Area, NV | Wind Advisory & Red Flag Warning | 25-35 mph, gusts up to 50 mph (65 mph in prone areas) | 5-15% |
Evergreen Insights: understanding Wind Advisories and Red Flag Warnings
Wind advisories and red flag warnings are critical alerts issued by the National Weather service to inform the public about potentially hazardous weather conditions. Wind advisories are typically issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts of a certain magnitude are expected, which could make travel difficult or damage property. Red flag warnings, on the other hand, are specifically related to fire weather. They indicate that conditions are ideal for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly due to a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. These conditions can occur at any time of year, but are most common during dry seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Winds and Fire Safety
Why is it vital to secure outdoor items during a wind advisory?
Loose outdoor items can become projectiles in strong winds, causing damage to property and potentially injuring people.
How does low humidity contribute to fire risk?
Low humidity means that vegetation is drier and more easily ignited. It also allows fires to spread more quickly.
What should I do if I see a wildfire?
Report it immediately to 911 or your local fire department. Provide the location and size of the fire, if possible.
Where can I find more facts about fire safety?
Visit Ready.gov for extensive information on wildfire preparedness and safety.
Are you prepared for a power outage? What steps do you take to protect your home from wildfires?
Stay safe and informed by checking weather.gov/reno for updates and livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.
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