Red Flag Warning and Beach Hazard

 

Overview Fire Weather: Strong and gusty north winds will develop in the hills on Saturday night and last through Sunday night. The combination of offshore winds, very low humidity and very warm temperatures, and dry fuels has prompted the issuance of a Red Flag Warning for the hills above 1000 feet in the North and East Bay Hills and Santa Cruz Mountains.  Strong and gusty winds in the hills could lead to downed tree limbs and power lines. Beach Hazard: A powerful storm in the Gulf of Alaska is generating large waves that will arrive along the California coast this weekend. These large waves will likely generate sneaker waves and strong rip currents at area beaches.

CONFIDENCE

·  Moderate to High: Red Flag Warning Saturday night into Sunday night.

·  Moderate: For gusty winds in the hills on Saturday night-Sunday night

·  Moderate: Sneaker waves and rip currents resulting in hazardous conditions at area beaches

UPDATED INFORMATION

·  This update includes a transition from a Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning. In addition, the Santa Cruz Mountains have been added to the Red Flag Warning.

·  This update also includes information on the Beach Hazards Statement

·  This update includes a correction to the Beach Hazard link.

TIMING

·  11 pm PDT Saturday to 5 am PDT Monday: Red Flag Warning for the North Bay Mountains above 1000 feet.

·  3 am PDT Sunday to 5 am PDT Monday: Red Flag Warning for the East Bay Hills and Santa Cruz Mountains above 1000 feet.

·  Monday: Onshore flow will return and reduce fire weather concerns.

·  Saturday morning through late Sunday night: Risk of sneaker waves and rip currents at west and northwest facing beaches.

LOCATIONS

·  Fire Weather and Winds: North and East Bay Hills above 1000 feet and Santa Cruz mountains above 1000 feet

·  Beach Hazard: West and northwest facing beaches from Sonoma county south to Monterey County including, but not limited to, Ocean Beach, Montara State Beach and Marina State Beach.

IMPACTS
*Hazards:

·  Red Flag Warning for North and East Bay Hills and Santa Cruz Mountains:
http://go.usa.gov/DHcG

·  Beach Hazards Statement for west and northwest facing beaches:
http://go.usa.gov/DH3V

·  Complete list of Watch, Warnings, and Advisories by County:
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/fastpage/wwa_bc.php?wfo=mtr

*Impact 1 (Critical Fire Weather Conditions) :

·  Very warm and very dry conditions along with strong offshore (north to northeast) winds

·  Long term moisture deficits and dry fuel conditions remain in place.

·  Recent hot and dry weather has dried up recent rainfall moisture.

*Impact 2 (Winds):

·  Winds from Saturday night through Sunday night may be strong enough to bring down power lines or tree branches in the hills of the North and East Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains.

 *Impact 3 (Beach Hazards):

• Large and long period ocean swell will result in sneaker waves and rip currents, especially along west and northwest facing beaches.

NWS will continue to provide email updates if the forecast changes.

 

Monitor NWS Monterey Facebook and Twitter for further updates.