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The National Weather Service issued the excessive heat watch which is in effect from noon on Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday.
At the same time, the California Independent System Operator has issued a statewide Flex Alert, which is a call for voluntary electricity conservation, from 3 to 10 p.m. on Friday in response to the forecast for near-record or record-breaking heat – up to 10 to 20 degrees above normal in some areas.
The National Weather Service’s excessive heat warning predicts “dangerously hot conditions” with afternoon temperatures between 100 and 110 degrees.
The forecast said that Friday and Saturday “will likely be only the first two days of an extended heatwave that may last for much of the next week.”
There’s a potential for some minor cooling on Sunday, but forecasters said county residents can expect prolonged above-average temperatures for several days.
The specific Lake County forecast predicts daytime temperatures of up to 104 degrees on Friday and 103 degrees on Saturday.
Sunday is expected to see temperatures around 100 degrees, with the heatwave continuing through next week, when temperatures are forecast to reach 106 degrees on Tuesday and 105 degrees on Wednesday, particularly in the Clearlake area and the south county near Middletown.
Nighttime temperatures over the coming week also will be well above normal, with forecasters predicting temperatures could rise into the low 70s.
Officials are also raising concerns about the potential for fire danger, as the high nighttime temperatures limit the window for relief, which is why the National Weather Service said it issued the excessive heat warning for much of Mendocino and Lake counties.
The long-term forecast also reported that the remnants of a tropical system will arrive in the region on Friday and Saturday, “presenting an opportunity for some isolated showers and thunderstorms across interior areas both afternoons.”
Forecasters said it is possible that a few thunderstorms may develop as early as Friday afternoon, and as late as Sunday afternoon as well.
“The biggest impact of these storms, should they develop, will be the potential for new wildfire starts due to lightning,” the forecast said.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Police Department said it has arrested a man for robbing a woman at a city laundromat.
Michael Kevin Toney, 26, a transient, was taken into custody shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday, according to his booking records.
Police said the victim, a 64-year-old woman from Lakeport, reported that she was physically attacked by a male subject while doing her laundry at the Willow Wash Laundromat in the Safeway Shopping Center on 11th Street.
Officers responded to the laundromat and contacted the woman, who gave them a detailed description of the man who robbed her, who she said she didn’t know, the department reported.
The woman told officers that the subject forced her against laundromat equipment and attempted to remove and steal a coin purse from her after she had already given him a small donation that he solicited, police said.
Police said the subject fled the scene prior to the officers’ arrival.
The police department said officers searched the immediate area and found Toney a short distance from the scene.
The victim positively identified Toney as the perpetrator during a subsequent in-field showing and police arrested him for robbery by force, the department reported.
On Friday Toney remained in custody for felony first-degree robbery, with bail set at $150,000. His booking sheet showed he is due to be arraigned on Friday.
Police said Toney is known to the police department and has prior recent arrests.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
With high temperatures in the forecast, the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from residential air conditioning use.
The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat watches and warnings for portions of California and the Southwest US.
California will be experiencing near-record or record-breaking heat, up to 10 to 20 degrees above normal in some areas.
Above-normal temperatures for the West, including California, are expected to last through the weekend and into late next week.
Prolonged heat over several consecutive days is expected to drive electricity demand higher, as nighttime temperatures are also forecast to be above average.
Remnants of tropical system “Elida” will bring cloud cover to areas of California through this event, reducing solar generation, which leads to tighter energy supplies.
Consumers are urged to conserve electricity, especially during the late afternoon and early evening, when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand and solar energy production falling.
Consumers are also asked to turn off unnecessary lights, use major appliances before 3 p.m. and after 10 p.m., and set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher.
These conservation measures can help the power grid during a time of tight demand and supply, and avoid power interruptions.
Reduced energy use during a Flex Alert can prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.
The ISO will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit the ISO’s Flex Alert website.
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The individual became symptomatic following the start of a 48-hour shift on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Measures were immediately taken to isolate the individual and other close contacts and to disinfect all apparatus and facilities at risk of exposure. Rapid testing was immediately performed and confirmed a positive result, officials said.
The individual had limited workplace contact with others, and the fire authority is working with Mendocino County Public Health to complete the appropriate contact tracing.
Since the start of the pandemic, the Fire Authority has been operating with COVID-19 risk mitigation protocols in place, which includes the division of crews between multiple stations, application of personal protective equipment, and rigorous sanitization.
The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority still has the capacity to remain fully staffed and operational during this process.
“Our work is inherently risky, and even with the utmost precautions in place, there is a risk of exposure to COVID-19,” said Ukiah Valley Fire Chief Doug Hutchison, who previously served as chief of Lakeport Fire. “Our team members responded quickly and appropriately to this incident, and are working to implement the appropriate response protocols. Our priority remains the safety of our department and our community.”
“The health officer orders are there to protect us as we move forward in the pandemic,” Mendocino Health Officer Dr. Noemi Doohan said. “The city of Ukiah firefighters have followed all orders including the masking orders and required protective measures. Their proactive actions in their protection will be impactful steps in efforts to prevent an outbreak."