City of Palo Alto, CA

08/27/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/27/2026 17:54

Red Flag Warning: Potential Lightning in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Red Flag Warning: Potential Lightning in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Published on August 27, 2026

This is a community update for residents and businesses located in the Palo Alto foothills west of 280. The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning in effect on Friday, August 28 from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. with possible isolated lightning strike activity across the Santa Cruz Mountains and Central Coast. Gusty winds of 40 to 50 mph are possible with the strongest storms.

The Foothills Nature Preserve BBQ/open-flame ban is in effect on Friday with increased Palo Alto Ranger patrols. Palo Alto Fire is staffing Fire Station 8 overnight and cross-functional staff teams are implementing other activities to support rapid foothill response and employing fire safe practices throughout the Red Flag Warning. Staff are actively monitoring weather conditions and will share updates should changes occur.

For neighborhoods in the foothills west of 280, please consider the following actions:

  • Employ fire safe practices such as limiting outdoor landscaping work, mowing and other vegetation reduction.

  • Do not park in high brush areas.

  • Prepare for an evacuation should on be needed and be ready to go by having an emergency kit ready.

For anyone hiking or outdoors, per California Office of Emergency Services, if you find yourself outside during thunder and lightning:

  • Go indoors or find a safe, enclosed shelter.

  • Avoid open or elevated spaces.

  • Stay away from tall structures and objects that conduct electricity.

For other resources:

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City of Palo Alto, CA published this content on August 27, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 27, 2026 at 23:54 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]