Red flag, heightened wildfire risk in effect till 5 p.m. Friday

Strong winds and low humidity will combine today to create a heightened risk of wildfire in the valleys and mountains of San Diego County, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency scheduled a red flag warning for the valleys and mountains from 9 this morning to 5 p.m. Friday, saying a moderate Santa Ana wind event was occurring.

During the red flag warning, sustained northeast winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour were expect to gust up to 45 mph, and the lowest daytime humidity was expected to be from 5 to 10 percent, with poor overnight recovery.

In addition to the red flag warning, a wind advisory was also in effect today for the valleys and the mountains. The wind advisory was scheduled to expire at 2 p.m.

The strongest winds — gusting up to 45 mph— will be near mountain ridge tops as well as through and below favored passes and canyons, including the Interstate 8 corridor, according to the weather service.

“The winds will be make driving difficult, especially for motorists with high profile vehicles,” an NWS advisory said. “Secure loose yard furniture, tents, umbrellas and trash cans, as these items may blow away.”