Imminent Santa Ana conditions prompt fire weather warnings

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - A predicted period of highly gusty and dry conditions across the San Diego area prompted authorities today to issue

warnings of increased wildfire hazards and the potential for public-safety power shutoffs over the next several days in particularly at-risk locales.

Arid Santa Ana winds will increase in strength and become widespread across the county late tonight, with 50-mph gusts possible in the mountains and the western valleys, according to the National Weather Service.

On Thursday, humidity levels dipping below 10%, sustained 30-plus-mph winds and gusts of 60 mph or high...