Red Flag Warning, Fire Weather Watch, and Freeze Watch

Update by the National Weather Service

The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING and a FIRE WEATHER WATCH for the Santa Barbara County South Coast & Mountain areas (zones CAZ 239 & CAZ 252), and a FREEZE WATCH for the inland areas including the Santa Ynez & Cuyama Valleys tonight and into next week.

Damaging winds & Low Humidity: Winds are expected out of the North to northeast 15 to 30 mph with gusts 40 to 50 mph, strongest near Montecito Hills. This can cause hazardous driving and boating conditions, can lead to downed trees and power lines, and cause power outages and blowing dust and debris, especially near recent burn areas.

In addition, relative humidity is expected to lower to around 15 percent especially in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Range. If fire ignition occurs, there will be the potential for rapid spread of wildfire with and extreme fire behavior that could lead to a threat to life and property. Use extreme caution when using potential fire ignition sources.

Low/Freezing Temperatures: Low temperatures and freezing conditions are possible throughout the inland areas, particularly the Santa Ynez and Cuyama Valleys. This can cause frost and freeze damage to unprotected plants and can be harmful to animals left outside. Animal owners should take special precautions with their animals during freezing temperatures. It’s best to keep all pets indoors. 

Source: National Weather Service

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Santa Barbara County Mountains and the Santa Barbara south coast (zones CAZ252, CAZ239) in effect from 6pm Sunday December 3, 2017 to 6 am Monday, December 4, 2017.

RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM PST MONDAY FOR GUSTY NORTH TO NORTHEAST WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS AND SOUTH COAST…

* Winds…North to northeast 15 to 30 mph with gusts 40 to 50 mph…strongest near Montecito Hills.

* Relative Humidity…Lowering to around 15 percent especially in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Range.

* Impacts…If fire ignition occurs, there will be the potential for rapid spread of wildfire with and extreme fire behavior that could lead to a threat to life and property.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected. A combination of gusty winds and low relative humidity can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Use extreme caution when using potential fire ignition sources.