Red Flag Warning Issued for Rogue Valley & Northern California

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 9 PM SATURDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING ON DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 280, 281, 616, 617, 620, 621, 622, AND 623.

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 1 PM to 9 PM Saturday.

IMPACTS: Abundant lightning on dry fuels could lead to numerous new fire starts. Gusty, shifting outflow winds could also result in changing fire behavior and spread. These winds could also present a danger to aircraft and ground personnel.

AFFECTED AREA: In California: Fire weather zones 280 and 281.

In Oregon: Fire weather zones 616, 617, 620, 621, 622 and 623.

THUNDERSTORMS: Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop Saturday afternoon and move from south to north through the area into Saturday evening. These storms will contain frequent and abundant cloud to ground lightning. Some of the stronger thunderstorms may contain strong to severe wind gusts and hail. Rainfall is expected with these storms and could be heavy at times.

OUTFLOW WINDS: Gusts up to 60 mph.

HAIL POTENTIAL: 5 to 15 percent chance of one half to 1 inch diameter hail.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. These conditions promote new fire starts and potentially changing fire behavior and spread which may become life threatening. Evacuate if ordered to, or if a fire threatens.