Parts of Santa Barbara County are included in a red flag warning this week due to the risks of wildfires starting and spreading due to high winds and dry vegetation.
Parts of Santa Barbara County are included in a red flag warning this week due to the risks of wildfires starting and spreading due to high winds and dry vegetation. Credit: National Weather Service photo

A red flag warning is in effect for parts of Santa Barbara County from 4 a.m. Tuesday to 6 p.m. Wednesday due to the forecast of strong winds, low humidity, and high temperatures. 

The National Weather Service is warning of life threatening and dangerous windstorms in Los Angeles and Ventura counties as well as central parts of Santa Barbara County, including the eastern Santa Ynez range and interior mountains. 

Ariel Cohen, meteorologist with the NWS Oxnard office, said areas further to the east and south are more susceptible to dangerous conditions. 

While Los Angeles and Ventura counties are expected to see the most significant impacts, central areas of Santa Barbara County have the potential for dangerous conditions, allowing fires to spread rapidly, the NWS said.

The National Weather Service map of wind gust speeds predicted for this week. Santa Barbara County has lower winds expected than Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with gusts of 20-40 mph and isolated gusts up to 50 mph in foothill and mountain areas, the NWS said.
The National Weather Service map of wind gust speeds predicted for this week. Santa Barbara County has lower winds expected than Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with gusts of 20-40 mph and isolated gusts up to 50 mph in foothill and mountain areas, the NWS said. Credit: National Weather Service photo

With the dry conditions and strong winds, there is also the potential for objects to be blown around and minor tree damage, according to Cohen. 

“If you’re in the eastern part of the county, just be very aware,” Cohen said. “If you were to have evacuation orders placed for your location, take immediate precautions to protect your life at once.” 

CalFire and the California Office of Emergency Services are prepositioning firefighting and emergency response vehicles and personnel in Southern California areas, including Ventura County, because of the critical fire weather conditions forecasted this week.

Click here to sign up for ReadySBC emergency alerts from Santa Barbara County.

Click here for the latest weather forecast from the National Weather Service. 

High winds are expected from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening. The strongest gusts are expected in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, the National Weather Service said.
High winds are expected from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening. The strongest gusts are expected in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, the National Weather Service said. Credit: National Weather Service photo

— Noozhawk staff writer Rebecca Caraway can be reached at rcaraway@noozhawk.com.