Red Flag Warning Issued for Dickens and Garza Counties Through Tuesday Evening
NWS Lubbock has issued a Red Flag Warning for Dickens and Garza counties effective Tuesday, citing high winds and low humidity that could lead to rapid fire spread.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Lubbock has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of West Texas. This alert replaces the previous Fire Weather Watch and indicates that critical fire weather conditions are imminent or occurring due to a combination of strong winds and low relative humidity.
Affected Areas
The warning specifically covers the following geographic regions in Texas:
- Dickens County
- Garza County
What You Should Do
Residents are strongly advised to discourage all outdoor burning during this period. A Red Flag Warning signifies that extreme fire behavior is possible. Any fires that develop can spread rapidly and become difficult to contain. Residents should prepare for hazardous conditions and monitor local updates.
Expected Conditions
The region is expected to experience the following hazardous weather parameters:
- Winds: Southwest winds sustained at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph.
- Humidity: Relative humidity levels are expected to drop as low as 14 percent.
- Fuels: Ground fuels are currently classified as normal to dry, increasing the risk of ignition.
Timeline
The Red Flag Warning is officially in effect from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM CST on Tuesday, February 17. The most critical window for wind and humidity impacts is expected between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM CST.
Source: NOAA Official Notice