NEVADA CITY, Calif. October 4, 2018 – The first rain of the season came with thunderstorms throughout the state. 3,146 strikes were recorded within California, with 710 strikes detected within the National Forests.
Locally, 44 strikes were recorded on the Tahoe National Forest, 10 for American River Ranger District, 20 for Truckee Ranger District, 14 for Sierraville Ranger District and 0 for Yuba River Ranger District. However, numerous downstrikes were recorded in the western portion of Nevada County and throughout Placer County.
Aircraft are flying reconnaissance flights to identify and fire starts caused by the lightning storm. Trees hit by lightning can smolder internally for over a week before bursting into flames. Keep an eye on your surroundings and report any fire starts immediately by calling 911.
Gusty north winds this weekend
According to the latest forecast by the National Weather Service in Sacramento: Short wave energy is forecast to spill over the Pacific ridge this weekend carving out a deep trof over the Great Basin. This is a windy/gusty northerly wind pattern for NorCal and a fire weather concern due to drying northerly winds. The fly in the ointment this time around is the recent rainfall which has significantly raised the 100 hr fuels well above the seasonal normal/average reducing the fire threat. We will headline the winds, and will continue to monitor how fast the area will tend to dry out. The winds may subside before the area and fuel moisture dry out sufficiently.