Quick Take
Lightning strikes could result in fires and winds that could gust up to 50 mph may cause rapid fire spread. The National Weather Service also warns of an increased risk for power outages as the winds could bring tree limbs down onto power lines.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Santa Cruz County and much of California’s Central Coast due to a 20% to 30% chance of thunderstorms from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.
The forecast includes isolated lightning strikes, light precipitation and wind gusts of up to 40 to 50 mph. A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly.
The affected areas include the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Salinas and Carmel valleys and the Hollister area, Monterey Bay and the Big Sur coast, interior Monterey County and the Santa Lucia range.
Lightning strikes could result in fires and the forecast winds could cause rapid fire spread. The National Weather Service also warns of an increased risk for power outages as the winds could bring tree limbs down onto power lines.
Rainfall amounts are expected to remain below 0.15 inches.
Santa Cruz County officials urge residents to use extra caution, prepare for an emergency and, in the case of fires, to report them immediately by calling 911. Information on power outages are available at pge.com/outages.
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