Crazy day today. Around noon, high winds rushed in, causing high wind warnings (gusts up to 60 mph). We were visiting about an hour east of the mountain house & had to cross the mountain on a very winding, steep road. As we traveled, the winds buffeted the car & tree debris littered the road, some of it large enough I went around. Going over the mountain, we encountered some larger debris, but no trees that blocked the road.
The red flag alert for wildfires was up. We encountered one at the road’s edge on the east side of the mountain. A crew was watching, shovels in hand, EMS unit was standing by & a sheriff’s deputy had the right lane blocked.
After we crossed over & got closer to home, I could see a fire on the mountain across the river from us. Then I saw another big fire to the left, down the ridge near the other gap - the sheriff had the gap road closed. This fire caused a home development to be evacuated to the local HS gym. Sunset turned the smoke clouds orange. We have kept our power so far, but there are large outage areas all around from the high winds.
After dark, I could see fire glow & occasionally flames flare up on the mountain. On the forest development road, you can see red flashing lights. Lots of LEO & fire equipment on the roads with lights & sirens.
The high wind warning & subsequent wind advisory have expired, but I can hear the wind outside so it’s still blowing & gusting pretty good at times. The winds should continue to diminish tonight. Rain is due in Friday, but that still leaves tomorrow to get through.
If it makes you feel any better, the American Robins are all here, and we’re looking at 6-10” of SNOW starting late Thursday night and all of Friday.
Told ya it was coming!
“And we would’ve gotten away with it too, if it weren’t for your meddling kids!” ;)