More evacuate as threat of dry lightning, winds looms over Central Coast
SALINAS, Calif. (KION) Fires across the Central Coast continue to prompt more evacuations on Saturday as Cal Fire officials worry about a new weather system that could bring in dry lightning over the weekend, potentially cuasing more new fires to emerge and strain already depleting resources as firefighters battle multiple fires across the state.
It's one of the main reasons why the Monterey County Sheriff's office is evacuating more people over the weekend.
The weather system moving in overnight could also bring downdraft winds over the next couple days.
"The downdraft winds could be anywhere from 45 to 60 miles an hour and it could send fire in any direction, so that's very unpredictable for our firefighters, very dangerous for everybody," said the Cal Fire Command Team 1 Incident Commander.
That potential prompted more evacuation orders on Saturday in Carmel Valley and in areas long Highway 68 like Laureles Grade.
"It's on the advice of Cal Fire and what they predict what the fire might do, so it's to protect life and property," said Sheriff Steve Bernal, of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.
Down in Carmel Valley Village, people like Lenora Carey and her young son tried packing as much as they could into their car.
Residents here got the evacuation order at 9 a.m. Saturday, but were allowed to gather their belongings till nightfall.
"You know, what can I say. It's upsetting and I'm more concerned about everybody else. I mean I feel lucky I was able to get here and get my stuff out safely. It's just hard," said Lenora Carey, who owns Big Sur Vineyards.
Carey has been through this before. In 2016, she and her family lost their ranch and vineyard to the Soberanes Fire. Now she is packing whatever she can from her business.
"Well, most importantly of course, our wine. We had a lot of wine here," she said.
Yellow tape now all over different residences and businesses in Carmel Valley Village, marking evacuations for the area. For those under evacuation warnings, the sheriff has a reminder as this new threat approaches thousands on the Central Coast.
"Have everything ready to go because this weather's going to change and once we issue that evacuation order, it's time to go," said Bernal.
If you are under an evacuation warning, have your essentials packed, have a plan on where to go, be in communication with friends and family and be smart and safe.
