Eureka, California – Scattered dry thunderstorms could ignite wildfires across Northern California’s interior mountains Thursday afternoon, prompting a Red Flag Warning for much of the Klamath and Trinity regions through 11 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, lightning strikes and gusty, erratic winds—potentially reaching 50 mph—could accompany these storms, especially in higher elevations of Siskiyou, Northern Humboldt, Trinity, and Eastern Del Norte counties. A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect for Friday, with threats extending into interior Mendocino and Lake counties.
Residents in Hoopa, Willow Creek, and along Highway 299 should be prepared for rapidly shifting fire conditions. Power outages and road closures are possible if lightning ignites vegetation in remote terrain.
Cal Fire urges residents to avoid outdoor burning, secure flammable equipment, and report any smoke sightings immediately. Fire starts in rugged terrain can be difficult to access and may grow quickly.
The threat of new ignitions could persist into Friday night, especially in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness and along the Mendocino National Forest boundary. Stay tuned for updates as additional Red Flag Warnings are possible.
