California Faces Heightened Fire Risk Amid Strong Winds and Power Shutoffs

Diablo and Santa Ana winds prompt red flag warnings and potential power outages across 30 counties to mitigate wildfire threats.

The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings from Thursday through Saturday for Northern and Central California due to high fire risk.
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) plans to implement public safety power shutoffs affecting up to 28,000 customers to prevent wildfires.
Strong Diablo and Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching up to 65 mph, are expected to dry out vegetation and create conditions conducive to rapid fire spread.
The combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and strong winds makes this period potentially the highest fire risk of the year so far.
Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare emergency plans and stay informed about potential evacuations and power outages.