Yreka, California – Red Flag Warnings now blanket Siskiyou, Modoc, and much of far Northern California through 11 p.m. Thursday, as a wave of scattered dry thunderstorms threatens to spark wildfires and send erratic winds racing across the region. Fire officials urge residents to prepare for rapidly changing conditions and potential evacuation alerts.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford and Eureka, strong thunderstorms will begin developing Thursday afternoon, especially over the Klamath Mountains, Siskiyou County, and Northern Humboldt. Lightning strikes on extremely dry vegetation could ignite new fires. Outflow winds could gust up to 60 mph in the strongest cells, pushing flames quickly and complicating fire suppression. A Fire Weather Watch remains in place for Friday, as storms may linger or redevelop in Trinity, Modoc, and southern Siskiyou Counties.
Communities including Yreka, Mount Shasta, Dunsmuir, and Happy Camp are all under the warning, as are Hoopa and Weaverville in Trinity County. Key highways—Interstate 5, Highway 96, and Highway 299—could be impacted by sudden road closures, smoke, or emergency vehicle activity. Residents are urged to pack essential items, review their go-kit, sign up for emergency alerts, and avoid any activities that could cause sparks.
This event mirrors similar lightning-driven fire outbreaks in recent years, with officials emphasizing that one strike can trigger multiple fast-moving wildfires. The Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Thursday night, with additional alerts possible into Friday. Stay tuned to local authorities and weather updates for any changes.
