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Red Flag Warning hits Central Coast as lightning threat raises wildfire risk
KSBW • • nation
Key Points:
- The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Central Coast from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday due to potential lightning and gusty winds that could increase wildfire risk.
- The warning covers areas including the Santa Cruz Mountains, Salinas Valley, Santa Lucia Mountains, Los Padres National Forest, Monterey Bay, and Big Sur coast, with winds expected to reach 40 to 50 mph.
- There is about a 20% chance of thunderstorms with rainfall under 0.15 inches, raising concerns about lightning strikes sparking new fires and erratic winds spreading them rapidly.
- Residents are advised to avoid activities that could cause sparks, fully extinguish fires, secure tow chains, avoid discarding cigarette butts from vehicles, and review their emergency plans.
- Authorities recommend keeping an emergency go-kit ready and knowing evacuation routes and contacts to ensure safety during potential wildfire events.
