Urgent weather warning as SoCal fire risk intensifies and power shutoffs loom

Southern California faces heightened wildfire danger this weekend as strong Santa Ana winds, warm temperatures and low humidity create conditions in which fires could spread rapidly. Officials have issued Red Flag Warnings for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties and are preparing emergency crews and residents for possible evacuations.

The warnings run from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, with mountain wind gusts forecast at 30 to 45 mph and isolated gusts up to 55 mph; nearly 4,900 Southern California Edison customers are being considered for precautionary power shutoffs. The alert follows October’s 570-acre Norte Fire, which damaged or destroyed seven homes and prompted thousands to evacuate. High surf and coastal flooding advisories also remain in effect, while possible rain from 13 November could bring relief, though its timing and totals are uncertain.