Red Flag Warning: Dangerous Fire Conditions Continue In Bay Area

NORTH BAY, CA – The strong winds and dry weather conditions that helped rapidly spread the deadly wildfires in Wine Country will return Friday night, prompting the National Weather Service to issue another red flag warning and wind advisory for the fire-ravaged region.

Weather officials expect strong winds, with gusts as high as 60 mph possible overnight Friday in the affected areas. Winds of that magnitude would mirror the conditions that propelled the wildfires that sparked Sunday night.

With dry fuels and low humidity, current fires and any fires that start have the potential to spread quickly, according to the National Weather Service.

Watch: California Wildfires Are Causing Problems Well Beyond The Fires' Edge

The new red flag warning will be in effect from 5 p.m. Friday to 11 p.m. Saturday for the North and East Bay hills, while the new wind advisory will be in effect from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday for the same areas.

The critical fire conditions pose the greatest threat to the Napa County hills, around Mount Saint Helena, eastern Sonoma County hills, and the hills of Marin County, around Mount Tamalpais, according to weather officials.

By Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service extended the red flag warning to the North Bay valleys from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday, with the greatest threat to Napa Valley and from the city of Sonoma northward along Highway 12.

With strong winds expected for the region, Pacific Gas and Electric Company urged residents to be alert near fallen trees and branches. Residents were also advised to stay away from and report downed power lines.

Also see:

• Northern California Wildfire Latest: Death Toll Climbs, Acres Burn
• Wildfires Cause 'Unprecedented Levels' Of Air Pollution In Bay Area
• SMART Continues Free Train Service Through Sunday
• North Bay Wildfires Close Schools In Marin County

Photo by Autumn Johnson/Patch