…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING…
…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING…
WIND ADVISORY:
South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts 50 to 55 mph. A few gusts over 55 mph are possible across portions of east central, northeast and southeast Nebraska.
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
The strong winds may also create areas of blowing dust that could restrict visibility. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MUCH OF EASTERN NEBRASKA AND PART OF WESTERN IOWA…
The National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 1 PM this afternoon to 8 PM CDT this evening.
* Affected Area…In Iowa, Monona. In Nebraska, Knox, Antelope, Washington, Lancaster, Jefferson and Gage counties.
* Winds…Southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.
* Relative Humidity…As low as 20 percent.
* Impacts…Any fires that ignite may spread rapidly and exhibit extreme fire behavior. Use extreme caution if engaging in any activities that could start a fire. Outdoor burning is not advisable.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Today and Tonight:
Strong south winds with gusts up to 55 mph are expected to continue for the area much of today. As a result, a Wind Advisory remains in effect. Isolated gusts of higher than 55 mph will be possible.
The strong winds could cause some power outages and create areas of blowing dust that could reduce visibility. The winds in combination with decreasing relative humidity will push the fire danger into the very high or extreme category this afternoon and evening, mostly along west of a line from about Onawa to Fremont and Beatrice, where a Red Flag Warning has been issued.
There is a chance that a severe storm or two could affect the area this morning or early afternoon. The main hazard would be damaging winds, but isolated hail is possible. Severe storm chances seem higher from about 2 pm to 7 pm.
There is a risk of severe storms, mostly east of a line from around Logan Iowa to Plattsmouth and Tecumseh. Strong wind gusts should be the main hazard, though spotty hail could occur. There is also a small chance for a brief tornado.