From 4 PM on Monday, January 13, 2025, San Diego county is under a Red Flag Fire Weather warning. This is especially looking at inland valleys and mountain areas. As of now, the warning is in effect until Wednesday evening, January 15, 2025.
This situation arises as we’re experiencing the driest start to a winter for San Diego, on record.
What to expect
This warning is in the context of very strong Santa Ana winds. We’re expecting 20-30 mph, with gusts of up to 55 mph. Humidity levels will be as low as 10%. Very strong gusts and low relative humidity allows fires that develop to spread incredibly rapidly, so make sure to absolutely avoid outdoor burning!
How to stay safe and reduce the fire risk
It’s important to be prepared for any situation, remain calm, and plan ahead.
- Download the Watch Duty App here, to stay up to date with the latest developments and evacuation orders.
- Stay inside. If possible, try to remain inside and avoid unnecessary travel. This way, you’re protected from potential hazards such as falling trees or power lines.
- Have an evacuation plan and bag ready. Unfortunately, such winds and low humidity bring a high potential of fire spreads. In case you need to evacuate immediately, have a bag ready with water, necessary meds, non-perishable food, personal toiletries, chargers, and flashlights.
- Be prepared for a power outage. Have flashlights ready, extra batteries, and your devices fully charged at all times. Make sure you have enough food that doesn’t rely on your refrigerator.
According to CAL FIRE, here’s what you can do to reduce the risk of a disaster:
- Avoid mowing or trimming dry grass
- Don’t Park vehicles on dry grass
- Make sure campfires are completely out
- Report suspicious activity to help prevent arson.
What should be a in go-bag
In such cases, we can never know what’s next or how bad it can get. It’s really important to have a go bag and an emergency plan. In case you need to leave, you wouldn’t want to be caught unprepared, or panic. Make sure you have a bag with:
- important documents
- medicine
- bottled water
- non-perishable foods
- batteries
- charging devices
- lighters
- necessary clothes
- blankets
- hygiene supplies
- anything needed for your children and pets.
Can I drive while the weather warning is in place?
According to Alex Tardy, a meteorologist with the NWS San Diego, “winds blowing within a region placed under a high wind warning can knock over semi trucks, interrupt power lines, damage light signals, and cause damage to homes, such as to roofs”.
Avoid traveling if driving an RV or a bus. Otherwise, while driving is not impossible throughout the warning, it is recommended to always keep both hands on the steering wheel, and be prepared for sudden, strong winds.
Are there school closures?
At the moment, there are no reports of school closures on January 13, 2025, or the following days.
Previously, the following schools were closed to the High Wind Warning:
- Julian Union Elementary School District
- Julian Union High School District
- Mountain Empire Unified School District
- Warner Unified School District
- Sullivan Middle School
- Bonsall High School
- Pauma Elementary School
- Ramona Unified School District
- Spencer Valley School District
(via 10news.com)
Are there power outages?
San Diego Gas & Electric will continue its public safety power shutoff – here’s a map that updates in real time.
We will update this article if new information is available.