Red flag warning issued as Bay Area braces for fire weather ...

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for much of the Bay Area from Thursday night through Saturday evening because of dry and windy conditions that pose a risk of wildfires spreading quickly.

The weather service had previously issued a fire weather watch for later this week but upgraded it to the red flag warning, which will be in effect from 11 p.m. Thursday until 5 p.m. Saturday because of winds of 25-35 mph with isolated gusts of up to 65 mph in higher terrains.

Forecasters said the areas expected to have particularly windy conditions and low humidity include the North Bay interior mountains, the East Bay hills and Diablo Range, and the San Francisco Peninsula.

PG&E is planning possible Public Safety Power Shutoffs in parts of the Bay Area due to the fire weather conditions.

Before the dry and windy weather, the Bay Area could see a little moisture in the form of drizzle that is expected to move across the region Wednesday morning, though most places are not expected to see much precipitation.

Also, a beach hazards statement is in effect for San Francisco, the coastal North Bay including Point Reyes National Seashore, the San Francisco Peninsula coast, northern and southern Monterey Bay, and the Big Sur coast through 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Large waves could possibly sweep across the shores of the affected areas without warning, pulling people into the sea.