Full Notification

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning which will remain in effect until 8 p.m. PDT, Thursday, May 1 for strong Santa Ana winds and widespread singe digit relative humidity for much of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

Strengthening upper level winds and increasing offshore flow is bringing a burst of strong Santa Ana winds to the region today.

Currently there is a 200+ acre brush fire north of Rancho Cucamonga with mandatory evacuations.  The Monrovia Fire Department is monitoring the situation and will be conducting fire patrols in the Monrovia foothills over the course of the day.  Updates will be provided if necessary.

Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve will be close thru Thursday, May 1.

Damaging winds will be likely across the mountains and portions of the valleys in Los Angeles and Ventura counties with peak gusts in th 60 to 80 mph. Offshore winds are expected to diminish some late this afternoon and tonight, then reintensify on Thursday morning when gusts will generally range between 45 and 65 mph across wind-prone locations in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Northeast winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph will continue today, with isolated gusts up to 80 mph in the San Gabriel Mountains and western peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains.  Winds will diminish some late this afternoon and tonight, then reintensify on Thursday morning when gusts up to 65 mph will be likely.

If fire ignition occurs, there could be a rapid spread of wildfire that would lead to a threat of life and property.  A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring with strong winds, very low relative humidity, and warm temperatures that create extreme fire behavior.

Residents living in high fire areas should log on to www.ready.gov to learn more about how to prepare and take steps in the event of a fire.