Local weather officials say Valley winds, expected to continue through Monday evening. City says at least 12 trees down in Lemoore

Lemoore’s city manager, Nathan Olson, told The Leader that the unusually high winds had brought down at least 12 trees as of noon on Tuesday.

The Hanford Weather Service says the winds have affected much of the San Joaquin Valley, and officials say a “Red Flag” warning will remain in effect until at least 11 p.m. Monday. The Weather Service predicts continued strong winds and dry fuels, leading to ripe conditions for fire in the Diablo Mountain range, the West Side Hills, and the northwest portions of the San Joaquin Valley.

Weather Service warnings say winds – north to the northwest – with wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph, developed Monday morning (Oct. 11) and will continue into Monday night across the Central San Joaquin Valley. The strongest winds are expected along the west side hills of the Valley on Monday afternoon.

Another tree on Constitution Avenue felled Monday morning by high winds felled by wind gusts of up to 30 to 50 mph.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of high winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A “Red Flag” warning was issued from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday for the West Side Hills and the Central San Joaquin Valley.