Gusty winds prompt Red Flag fire weather warning for Carson City, surrounding counties
With anticipated gusty winds and low humidity, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Carson City and surrounding counties though Saturday.
The warning, which affects the greater Reno and Sparks area, Carson City, Lake Tahoe, Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties and Mono County in California, is in effect until 11 p.m. Winds will be from the south to southwest, 15 to 25 mph with gusts 30 to 40 mph. Humidity is expected to be between 9 to 15 percent. Peak winds will be from noon to 8 p.m., NWS forecasters said.
The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them. The weather service advises people to follow local restriction and avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting or campfires.
There's also a Lake Wind Advisory for Tahoe and other area lakes in the western Nevada region. The advisory is from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.