Gusty winds and low humidity Tuesday has prompted the National Weather Service to upgrade a Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning for Carson City and surrounding counties.
The Red Flag Warning runs from 11 a.m to 11 p.m. for the Sierra Front, which includes Carson City, Douglas, Storey, southern Washoe and western Lyon counties in Nevada and southern Lassen County in California.
NWS forecasters said winds will be out of the southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 30 mph to 40 mph. Ridgetop gusts of 45 mph to 50 mph are to be expected. The winds are expected to shift to westerly in the late afternoon and evening.
Humidity is anticipated to be between 10 to 15 percent in the afternoon with nighttime recoveries of 40 to 70 percent by Wednesday morning, NWS forecasters said.
The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them. The weather service advises people to avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation including yard work, target shooting or campfire.
Forecasters advise people to follow local fire restrictions and check with the weather service for updates and livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.
Meanwhile, a Lake Wind Advisory has been issued for Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, Eagle Lake, Honey Lake, Lake Davis, Frenchman Lake, Stampede Reservoir, Donner Lake, Prosser and Boca Reservoirs, Washoe Lake and Topaz Lake from Tuesday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wind gusts up to 35 mph expected with wave heights of up to 3 feet. Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.
