July 20, 2024 12:10 p.m. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from 5:00 p.m. Saturday through 8:00 a.m. Sunday for most of southern Oregon.

Forecasters said an upper-level low will move up from the south along the California coast late Saturday afternoon and will tap into increasing mid-level moisture. Meanwhile, elevated instability will increase, and this combined with a moderate to strong trigger could result in isolated to scattered thunderstorms Saturday evening into Sunday morning, and again Sunday afternoon and evening. Given how dry fuels are, along with continued hot temperatures, lighting efficiency will be high to very high for fire starts. Lightning strikes outside of precipitation cores are possible and cause for concern.

The Red Flag Warning applies to the Umpqua Basin, Umpqua National Forest, South Central and Southern Oregon Coast, Southern Oregon Cascades and surrounding areas.

An Urgent Fire Message said gusty outflow winds will allow for new and existing fires to grow rapidly out of control. Gusts will be up to 40 miles per hour. These outflow winds can travel up to 50 miles away from the thunderstorm that caused it.

Residents who have not yet packed an evacuation kit, should do so now. Fill vehicles with fuel. Plan now to avoid using equipment that could cause sparks during the period when critical weather conditions are possible.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. These conditions promote rapid spread of fire which may become life threatening.

Listen to News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN and check www.541radio.com to stay connected with updated weather information.