Red Flag Warning Issued for Greater Medford Area

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 9 PM MONDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 620 AND 622.

IMPACTS…Given the recent prolonged stretch of very hot and very dry conditions, lightning efficiency will be high to very high for fire starts. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.

AFFECTED AREA… Portions of Fire Weather Zones 620 and 622 south of a line roughly from Merlin to Butte Falls. This includes the Rogue, Illinois and Applegate Valleys.

THUNDERSTORMS…Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected Monday. Lightning strikes outside of precipitation cores are possible and cause for concern.

OUTFLOW WINDS…Gusts up to 35 mph. These outflow winds can travel up to 50 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION…Thunderstorms will be a mix of wet and dry storms. Isolated thunderstorms are possible late tonight into Monday morning and again Monday night into Tuesday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Red Flag Warning is issued when we identify weather conditions that promote rapid spread of fire which may become life- threatening. This does not mean there is a fire. These conditions are either occurring now or will begin soon. It is important to have multiple ways to receive information from authorities. Follow all fire restrictions.

You can find your county’s emergency sign up form as well as links to fire restrictions at weather.gov/medford/wildfire. One less spark, one less wildfire. Be sure you’re signed up for your county’s emergency alert system. Familiarize yourself with your emergency plan and make sure you listen to emergency services. Visit ready.gov/plan for more information.