Gusty winds and very low humidity are raising fire concerns across parts of western Nevada and northeastern California on Tuesday, while the same weather system is expected to create rough conditions on several area lakes.
According to the National Weather Service in an online post, a red flag warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for northern Washoe County, Surprise Valley, eastern Lassen County and the northern Sierra Front. A lake wind advisory is also in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday for several lakes across the region.
Across the Red Flag Warning area, wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph are expected as humidity falls to between 10% and 15%, creating conditions that could allow fires to grow rapidly.
The northern Sierra Front portion of the warning includes Carson City, Douglas, Storey, southern Washoe, western Lyon and far southern Lassen counties.
Southwest winds are expected at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts between 30 and 40 mph. Ridgetop gusts could reach 50 mph before winds shift to the west late Tuesday afternoon and evening.
The combination of gusty winds and low humidity could cause fires to quickly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them. The strongest fire weather conditions are expected to last three to six hours.
Humidity is expected to recover to between 40% and 70% by Wednesday morning.
The lake wind advisory includes Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, Eagle Lake, Honey Lake, Lake Davis, Frenchman Lake, Stampede Reservoir, Donner Lake, Prosser Reservoir, Boca Reservoir, Washoe Lake and Topaz Lake.
Wind gusts up to 35 mph are expected on the lakes, with waves reaching as high as 3 feet. The National Weather Service advises people to consider postponing boating until conditions are less windy.
People are also urged to avoid activities that could spark a fire near dry vegetation, including yard work, target shooting and campfires, and to follow local fire restrictions.
(The National Weather Service contributed to this story.)
