All of Berkeley is under a red flag warning Tuesday through Thursday

by Iris Kwok

Nov. 4, 2024, 11:41 a.m.Nov. 4, 2024, 11:41 a.m.

Downed power lines can cause wildfires. PG&E says power shut-offs in Alameda County are a “possibility” this week. Credit: Clara Mokri

The National Weather Service plans to issue a red flag warning for the East Bay, including all of Berkeley, Oakland and Richmond, as “strong offshore winds and critically dry conditions” are expected to create a “hazardous and extreme wildfire environment.”

The warning goes into effect at 11 a.m. Tuesday and expires Thursday at 7 a.m. 

🚩A Red Flag Warning has been issued for critical fire weather conditions. It's in effect from 11 AM Tuesday – 7 AM Thursday for the majority of the Bay Area and higher elevations of the Central Coast. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/TCeIqZReYB

— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) November 4, 2024

“This is the time to stay on high alert, watch the news, and prepare for evacuation if needed,” reads an AC Alert issued Monday morning. 

PG&E says a “Public Safety Power Shutoff” — a term it uses to refer to planned power outages meant to decrease fire risk — for Alameda and Contra Costa counties is “a possibility.” The utility company is “in Watch status” for potential outages on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, according to its website. 

Tamar Sarkissian, a PG&E spokesperson, said in an email she could not say whether Berkeley/Oakland/Richmond residents will be impacted, but that an estimated 449 customers in Alameda County “could be impacted, should a [shut-off] be called.” And 940 Contra Costa County customers could be affected by the PSPS, should a shut-off be called. 

Look up your address on PG&E’s power shut-off webpage

Rachel Kennedy, an NWS meteorologist, said the agency monitors fuel levels, wind speeds and relative humidity when deciding whether to issue a red flag warning for wildfire danger. 

“In this case, we’re really meeting the winds and we’re really meeting our relative humidity criteria,” Kennedy said. “Fuels are pretty dry, but the little bit of rain we had last week did help to increase moisture slightly overall.” 

Kennedy said fire risk will be highest between Tuesday evening and Wednesday, when strong northeasterly winds (sometimes called Diablo winds) are expected to blow hot, dry from the inland toward the Bay Area coast.

The NWS predicts offshore winds of around 25 mph, with gusts potentially exceeding 55 mph in the Bay Area, according to the warning. The agency’s forecast for Tilden predicts wind speeds of up to 18 mph on Tuesday evening, with gusts reaching 43 mph. On Wednesday, winds up to 24 mph are expected, with gusts up to 38 mph. Kennedy recommends removing any holiday decorations that could be blown away in advance. 

A spokesperson for the East Bay Regional Park District did not immediately respond to an interview request, but the district has previously closed hiking trails when fire risks are high. Check the district’s park closures website before you go.

On some red flag days when conditions are “especially risky,” the Berkeley Fire Department will proclaim Extreme Fire Weather, during which it recommends residents make plans to preemptively leave the hills. No alert had been issued as of publication. 

On red flag days, you should follow this advice, compiled from Berkeleyside’s wildfire guide: 

Keep your phone on, charged and in your pocket throughout the day.  Fill up your gas tank and pack your trunk with your go-bag and extra water. Remember that garage doors operating on electricity may not open, but avoid parking on the street. Avoid activities that could cause a spark, such as parking or driving over dry vegetation, a common cause of fires this year, said Nicole Sarment, an NWS meteorologist. Make sure you properly extinguish cigarettes and barbeques and follow local burn bans and firework prohibitions.  Avoid running your lawnmower, said Roger Gass, an NWS meteorologist Be prepared to rapidly evacuate if needed

Berkeley Fire offers the following safety tips for red flag days:

Sign up all your devices for AC Alert.  Leave your phone on to receive alerts even if you are sleeping and don’t use “do not disturb” mode during high-risk weather.   Download the Genasys Protect App to receive real-time alerts about any status changes or emergencies in those zones.    Find your evacuation zone on the Berkeley Emergency Map website, which will be referenced in AC Alert evacuation messages. (Example: “BER-E044” is Berkeley Zone 44) and learn more about the City’s emergency alerting tools, such as our new Outdoor Warning System.   Put your go-bag by the front door.  Plan multiple evacuation routes, including two by foot.   Park off-street. Back your car into your driveway or garage, leaving streets clear for emergency vehicles.