Red Flag Warning for Riverside County as fire weather elevates
RIVERSIDE (CNS) - Wildfire risks will be elevated throughout the Inland Empire this week amid strong Santa Ana winds, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a red-flag warning that begins Wednesday."Northeast to east winds of 20 to 40 mph, with gusts to 60 mph (are possible),'' the NWS stated. "Anticipate localized gusts up to 80 mph in the most wind-prone ... foothill locations.''The warning goes into effect at 6 p.m. Wednesday and concludes at 10 p.m. Saturday. It was issued in conjunction with a high wind watch that noted "damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines."The most intense Santa Ana activity is predicted Thursday afternoon into Friday morning, according to forecasters."Winds will subside Friday afternoon through Saturday, but will still be qu