Red flag warnings issued south of Lake Tahoe as dry lightning raises wildfire risk
Dry lightning and erratic thunderstorm winds could spark fast-growing wildfires south of Lake Tahoe, as red flag warnings expand across parts of the eastern Sierra, far Northern California and Nevada, forecasters said.
The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings through 10 p.m. Thursday for thunderstorms, strong outflow winds and dry lightning across the Sierra Front, including Alpine County and northern Mono County.
The warning returns from noon to 9 p.m. Friday for Alpine County, northern Mono County, far southern Lassen County and several western Nevada counties, according to the weather service’s offices in Reno, Nevada, and Medford, Oregon.
Gusty and erratic thunderstorm winds of up to 50 mph could combine with dry lightning to create new fire starts that may grow rapidly before crews can contain them, forecasters warned.
Residents should avoid outdoor activities — including yard work, target shooting and campfires — that can cause a spark near dry vegetation while the warning is in effect.
Thunderstorm coverage and dry lightning potential were expected to remain isolated Thursday evening before becoming more widespread Friday afternoon, officials said.
