Red Flag Warning Issued for Fall River County Area Through Friday Evening

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Rapid City has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Fall River County area. This alert indicates that critical fire weather conditions are expected to develop, and it replaces the previously issued Fire Weather Watch for the region.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers Fire Weather Zone 322, which includes the Fall River County Area in South Dakota. The broader weather pattern is also expected to impact parts of northeastern Wyoming and south-central South Dakota.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning area should prepare for hazardous conditions and exercise extreme caution. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. The combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Outdoor burning is highly discouraged, and residents should avoid any activities that could produce sparks.

Expected Conditions

Critical fire weather will be driven by the following conditions:

• Winds: Northwest winds of 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph.
• Relative Humidity: Levels are expected to drop as low as 15 percent.
• Environmental Factors: Existing D1 to D2 drought conditions in the area are expected to exacerbate the fire potential.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is effective from 12:00 PM MST on Friday, February 27, and is scheduled to expire at 6:00 PM MST on Friday evening.