Carson City area weather: Threat of thunderstorms, dry lightning prompt Red Flag warning
UPDATE: The threat of dry lightning from thunderstorms expected to move into the Carson City region and Sierra Front has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag Warning beginning at 8 p.m. tonight and lasting through 11 a.m. Monday.
The weather service advises of isolated to scattered mixed wet and dry thunderstorms Sunday night through Monday morning with outflow wind gusts of up to 40 mph possible.
Given the current fire status with the Tamarack and the Beckwourth Complex fires, the impact potential for lightning is serious, according to the weather service.
"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," according to the warning announcement.
The weather service advises people to avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires.
The affected areas in the Red Flag Warning zone includes: Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Washoe counties, the greater Lake Tahoe area and Truckee, far southern Lassen, western Lassen and Eastern Plumas County.
Check weather.gov/reno for updates and livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.