Red Flag Warning Issued for South-Central South Dakota as Critical Fire Conditions Develop
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for south-central South Dakota, citing low humidity and gusty winds that create an environment for rapid fire spread.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a Red Flag Warning for south-central South Dakota. The alert, classified as a critical fire weather warning, is in effect to address the immediate threat of extreme fire behavior caused by a combination of strong winds and low relative humidity.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following counties in South Dakota:
- Gregory
- Jerauld
- Sanborn
- Brule
- Aurora
- Davison
- Charles Mix
- Douglas
What You Should Do
Residents in the affected areas are strongly advised to avoid all outdoor burning. A Red Flag Warning signifies that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or are imminent. Under these conditions, any fire that develops is likely to catch and spread rapidly. Residents should prepare for potential fire hazards and monitor local updates.
Expected Conditions
Weather conditions in the warning area are expected to reach critical thresholds:
- Winds: Southerly winds between 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph.
- Relative Humidity: Levels are expected to drop as low as 18 percent.
- Hazards: The combination of these winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures will contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Timeline
The Red Flag Warning is effective immediately as of February 15. The period of highest concern begins at 12:00 PM CST and is scheduled to remain in effect until 6:00 PM CST this evening, February 15.
Source: NOAA Official Notice