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The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning and a Wind Advisory until 6 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, due to strong gusty winds and low relative humidity for the Santa Ana Mountains and Inland Orange County.
A Red Flag Warning means there is a high risk of wildfires.
The Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has extended a Windblown Dust Advisory for much of Southern California, including Santa Ana, through Tuesday, January 14.
Forecasted Air Quality Impacts
- Blowing dust may result inAir Quality Index(AQI) levels that are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse in most of Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties in the South Coast Air Basin and the Coachella Valley.
- High PM10 levels in the region are a result of gusty Santa Ana winds, which can lift dust and soil into the air
- Winds from the north to northeast might reach 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph
- High winds may also disperse ash from the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Kenneth, Line, Airport, and Bridge fire burn scars
- Windblown ash from burned structures may contain higher air toxic levels. If you see windblown ash, take precautions to reduce exposure
No smoke advisory is currently in effect and air quality is currently good. If air quality worsens, please take precautions such as closing windows and staying inside. Check air quality conditions here.
If you are in an area impacted by windblown dust or ash:
- Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter.
- Avoid vigorous physical activity.
- Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air.
- Help minimize dust pollution by stabilizing loose soils and slowing down if driving on dirt roads.
- For more information, see the EPA Guide for Particle Pollution (PDF).
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