Red Flag Warning October 15-17, 2026

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National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura county coastal and valley areas, including Malibu and Calabasas, from 6 AM Thursday, October 15 through 8 PM Saturday, October 17 due to low humidity and winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts up to 55 MPH. As a precaution, officials are also closing Topanga Canyon Road from Mulholland Drive to Pacific Coast Highway, which is a route routinely susceptible to weather-related closures. Officials have not announced plans for any other road closures.

The University expects to maintain normal operations and classes as regularly scheduled at all Southern California campuses this week.

Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service identify periods of warm temperatures, low humidity, and stronger winds which can pose an elevated risk of fire danger. During Red Flag warnings it is especially important to:

  • Report any signs of smoke immediately to emergency responders. If on the Malibu campus, call Public Safety at 310.506.4441. At all other campus locations, report smoke by calling 911.
  • Use caution when disposing of cigarettes and ensure that they are completely extinguished. As a reminder, Pepperdine is a smoke-free University. 
  • Minimize any use of open flame in outdoor settings.
  • Consider taking down umbrellas and moving patio furniture inside.

During Red Flag conditions, Southern California Edison (SCE) may issue a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), a preemptive deenergization of electrical circuits in an attempt to reduce wildfire risk. This could result in a loss of power for a Pepperdine campus. While SCE typically takes steps to advise the community in advance, the community should nevertheless be prepared for the possibility of an unexpected temporary loss of power. Further details on a PSPS and how you can prepare are available here. 

The Department of Public Safety is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond to potential wildfires. Additional information regarding Red Flag Warnings and Pepperdine’s wildfire response plans is available on the University’s Emergency Information Page.

This entry was posted in Calabasas, Malibu.