SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee region both Sunday and Monday from noon to 11:00 p.m.
These are the conditions where a spark can become a catastrophic wildfire, with dry fuels, low humidity, and high winds in the forecast. All of the wildfires that have caused devastation across California and northern Nevada in recent years occurred during red flag weather conditions.
During Red Flag Days, all sources of flame are banned from the Lake Tahoe Basin. No barbeques – gas, propane, or charcoal and no outdoor fire pits are allowed until the warning is over.
Visitors and locals alike need to be aware of these conditions and know where to get current information and understand ways out of the community in case of a fire. Be prepared and have a “go-bag” ready. For a map and instructions on how to evacuate South Lake Tahoe in case of an emergency and other helpful information, visit HERE.
Conditions from NWS Reno for both Sunday and Monday:
Winds…West to Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph for wind-prone areas.
Humidity…7 to 12 percent in western Nevada…10 to 20 percent in the Eastern Sierra, Tahoe Basin, and northeastern California. Poor to moderate recovery Saturday night.
Impacts…The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
Additional Details…Dry and gusty winds are expected today as well, but the peak of the wind event is expected Sunday and Monday.
There is also a Lake Wind Advisory for Sunday from noon to 9:00 p.m.
Southwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph expected. Waves 2 to 4 feet for Lake Tahoe. Small boats, kayaks and paddleboards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.
Breezy winds are expected in the afternoon and evening hours through Wednesday. Additional Lake Wind Advisories are likely for the early part of next week.