Red Flag, High Wind Warning Issued For LA County

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning and a high wind warning at about 9 a.m. Wednesday. The high wind warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Wednesday until 3 p.m. Friday. The red flag warning will be in effect from 9 p.m. Wednesday until 6 p.m. Friday.

• Update from the City of Los Angeles, 5:20 p.m.: The City of Los Angeles has declared that a Red Flag No Parking Restrictions will be in effect starting 8:00 AM on 12/01/2011 and will remain in effect until further notice. For additional information please visit our website at: http://www.lafd.org/redflag or call 3-1-1. Thank you for your cooperation.

According to the National Weather Service, a system moving over Arizona and into the Nevada-California state line will create strong Santa Ana winds throughout most of LA and Ventura counties. Peak winds are expected to exceed 40 miles per hour along the LA County coast to the downtown Los Angeles area and the Ventura County coast. Gusts may reach up to 80 miles per hour in the Ventura County Mountains.

During red flag warnings, dry brush and high winds may result in rapid fire growth. So fire crews are often on alert because fires can spread very fast. The National Weather service says the conditions may also cause downed trees and power lines, as well as poor visibility due to dust and sand that may be blown about.

• For more information from the National Weather Service, click here.