Red Flag Warning, Fire Watch and Thunderstorm warnings in place for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Reno for Tuesday, July 21 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. followed by a Fire Weather Watch for Wednesday, July 22 from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

The following areas are affected: Greater Lake Tahoe Area; Northern Sierra Front including Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Southern Washoe, Western Lyon, and Far Southern Lassen Counties; Surprise Valley Calif.; Western Lassen, Eastern Plumas, Eastern Sierra, and Eastern Nevada Counties; Eastern Lassen County; Southern Sierra Front including Alpine, Northern Mono, Southern Lyon, and Western Mineral Counties; West Humboldt Basin in Pershing County; Lahontan Basin including Churchill and Eastern Mineral Counties; and Northern Washoe County.

Thunderstorms...Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected Tuesday and Wednesday. Storms will be a hybrid mix of wet and dry. However, with recent unusually low humidity, vegetation could be extra receptive to new lightning caused fire starts.

Outflow Winds...Gusty outflow winds up to 40-50 mph on Tuesday, with gusts up to 60 mph on Wednesday.

Impacts...Lightning can create new fire starts and may combine with strong outflow winds to cause a fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.

Precautionary and preparedness actions

Avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires. Follow local fire restrictions. Check weather.gov/reno for updates and livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.