3:15PM 7/18 UPDATE: The National Weather Service in Reno has changed the time of the Red Flag Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin. It is now in effect from 8:00 p.m. Sunday to 11:00 a.m. Monday. They are calling for abundant lightning on dry fuels for the Northern Sierra Front, Tahoe Basin and Northeast California.
Additional storms are expected Monday afternoon but they will be much wetter.
It is possible outflow winds in the areas of the storm could see gusts up to 40 mph.
Impacts…Recent hot and dry conditions have created very receptive vegetation to new lightning fires. New fire starts may combine with outflow winds to cause a fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin, Douglas County, Washoe County and other areas of the Sierra.
It was previously a Fire Weather Watch that has since been upgraded to the Red Flag Warning due to abundant lightning on dry fuels, which is in effect from midnight Sunday night to 8:00 p.m. Monday.
A strong reminder of how dangerous lightning strikes can been can be seen on the current Tamarack Fire near Markleeville.
No fires of any kind, including gas barbeques, are allowed during the Red Flag Warning.
Expect isolated to scattered thunderstorms, mixed wet and dry thunderstorms late Sunday night through Monday.
Outflow Winds – Gusts up to 40 mph possible.
Impacts…Recent hot and dry conditions have created very receptive vegetation to new lightning fires. New fire starts may combine with outflow winds to cause a fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
Affected Area…Fire Zone 270 Surprise Valley California, Fire Zone 271 Western Lassen, Eastern Plumas, and Eastern Sierra Counties, Fire Zone 272 Greater Lake Tahoe and Truckee Area, Fire Zone 278 Eastern Lassen County, Fire Zone 420 Northern Sierra Front including Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Southern Washoe, Western Lyon, and Far Southern Lassen Counties and Fire Zone 458 Northern Washoe County.