Northern California Under ‘Extremely Critical’ Fire Weather Risk, Strongest Wind Event Of Fall

From Sunday until Monday, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an “extremely critical” fire weather risk warning to residents in Northern California.

CBS News reported a Diablo downslope wind event in which powerful, bone dry winds, is expected to hit the Sierra-Nevada mountains and spread west towards Sacramento and San Francisco.

The gusts of wind are expected to exceed 80 mph, which will surpass hurricane force.

Critical to Extremely Critical fire weather conditions are forecast across southern California today and Monday. Gusts from 35 to 60 mph are possible across the coasts and valleys, with gusts to 80 mph in the mountains. Strongest winds are expected Monday morning. pic.twitter.com/reyvms8rhu
— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) October 25, 2020

The latest extreme conditions will mark the strongest wind event of the fall and possibly the strongest in years. The wind gusts are expected to be strong enough to cause multiple power outages by knocking down trees and power lines in the area.

The Pacific Gas & Electric’s Emergency Operations Center, Meteorology team, and Wildfire Safety Operations will be working together to monitor the conditions to remain proactive in power shutdowns to stop knocked over power lines from starting new fires.

Residents in the area should stay alert as wildfires could create life-threatening circumstances. Customers can expect to receive notifications via text, email, and automated phone call with updates about any changes made in their area.

On Saturday, the NWS Storm Prediction Center warned residents about the coming winds that were expected to hit the coast.

“Dangerous fire weather conditions are expected across parts of northern California from Sunday afternoon into Monday, as strong offshore flow develops across the region,” the message stated.

Although the latest tweet regarding the “extremely critical” fire risk weather predicts the most hazardous of the winds is expected to end on Monday, the NWS initially predicted that the conditions could last until Tuesday.

“Dangerous fire weather conditions are expected across parts of southern California, beginning late Sunday night and potentially lasting into Tuesday. High-end critical to locally extreme conditions are possible Monday into Monday night,” a tweet revealed.