Red flag warning issued

City News Service

A red flag warning signifying a high risk of wildfire was in effect Wednesday in much of San Diego County because of a combination of fierce Santa Ana winds, dry vegetation and low humidity.

The National Weather Service said winds of between 20 and 30 miles per hour blew through mountain locales, gusting to between 40 and 50 mph this morning.

It said the strongest gusts would occur in such areas as Ramona, Santa Ysabel, Campo and Warner Springs.The NWS issued a red flag warning effective until 6 p.m. in the county’s valley, forest and mountain areas, including the portion of the Cleveland National Forest that juts into northern San Diego County.Humidity levels could dip into the single digits today, according to NWSmeteorologists.A wind advisory indicating sustained winds of 35 mph or greater will bein effect until 3 p.m. in the valleys and mountains of San Diego County.The NWS warned motorists to be extra cautious when driving in highwinds, especially while at the wheel off high-profile vehicles.