Red Flag Warning issued for Monterey County through Oct. 19.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a Red Flag Warning for Monterey County starting 11pm, Thursday, Oct. 17, and lasting until 5pm, Saturday, Oct. 19.

The warning signals fire prone conditions as a result of heavy winds and dry conditions. NOAA reports projected winds of 25-35 mph with gusts of 50 mph, spanning the coastal and interior Bay Area and Central Coast regions.

PG&E is planning for possible power shutoffs due to wildfire risks in the areas of Jolon, Lockwood and Fort Hunter Liggett in Southern Monterey County. These public safety power shut offs are expected to begin Friday morning and last until Saturday evening and affect approximately 597 people.

Currently PG&E officials are monitoring weather conditions and anticipate high winds to impact over 20,000 customers across 24 counties.

“It's continually changing based on how we see the winds move, if they slow down, or move in a different direction,” says Stephanie Magallon with PG&E. “And also based on the moisture and fuel that we're seeing in those communities.”

CalFire recommends people create an evacuation plan, clear debris around their homes to create a defensible space in case of wildfire, as well as remove any flammable furniture items and the like from outside the house. 

“If you leave your house, make sure it's all closed up. Maybe bring things in off the patio, put them in the garage,” says Brent Pascua, Battalion Chief with CalFire. “When [there are] red flag warnings, things like pulling over a hot car onto grass or even flicking a cigarette out, that's when those things can actually cause a fire."

CalFire offers ways to prepare for wildfires on its website at fire.ca.gov/prepare.

Sign up for alerts with the County of Monterey’s Emergency Department at readymontereycounty.org/emergency/alerts.

Check PG&E updates for Public Safety Power Shutoffs in your area at pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/psps-updates.