CNN
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Strong winds will hit the central United States this weekend, raising the risk of severe fire danger in some states and threatening power outages, tree damage, travel disruptions and flying dust in others.
The combination of low relative humidity and strong winds creates an extreme fire weather threat. Fire danger levels are highest throughout the southern Plains and western half of the Central Plains. More than 10 million people were under red flag warnings across much of the Plains, almost from border to border.
Widespread fire danger will remain in parts of the Central Plains and Southern Plains through Sunday due to gusty winds, dry air, and the ongoing drought. The National Weather Service warned that even if a fire breaks out, it will be difficult to extinguish it due to strong winds.
Already, Oklahoma firefighters were battling multiple wildfires across six counties Saturday in winds as high as 90 mph. Aircraft were brought in to put out the fire, but it was still burning as of Saturday night, CNN affiliate KOCO reported.
Woodward County Emergency Manager Matt Rehenbauer told KOCO that a wildfire caused a temporary evacuation order and two firefighters suffered burns while fighting the fire. He was taken to the hospital.
“These winds, combined with very dry conditions, create a favorable environment for wildfires to start, especially in the western regions of the Southern Plains, where the SPC has flagged significant fire risk,” the National the weather bureau said.
Meanwhile, hurricane-force winds have doubled in some areas. The National Weather Service predicts stronger winds of 30 to 45 mph through Sunday from eastern New Mexico to eastern Nebraska, where high wind warnings are currently in place. Stronger hurricane-force wind gusts are expected to reach 160 mph in hilly areas near Denver.
“It will be very windy tonight through Sunday,” the National Weather Service in Boulder said in a statement. “The strongest wind gusts will be tonight, with wind speeds expected to reach 160 mph in the Front Range foothills, mountains and adjacent flatlands.”
Strong and damaging winds will continue into Sunday morning, with the strongest gusts expected. national weather bureau Said.
High wind warnings were in effect through Sunday for parts of Kansas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado and Texas.
Residents in windy areas could experience damage to buildings and trees, power outages, travel difficulties, flying dust and poor visibility, as well as fire danger and the spread of wildfires, the Bureau of Meteorology warned. There is. Because of these risks, people should be “aware of their surroundings” or remain vigilant and indoors. weather service It is recommended.
“Stay on the lower floors of your home and avoid windows during storms,” the Bureau of Meteorology says. “Be aware of falling debris and tree branches. Use caution if you must drive.”
Fire threats prompted emergency responses in Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma, according to state emergency management operations announcements.
Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly announced Friday that she had verbally declared a state of disaster and authorized the state to use resources to provide assistance, according to a release from the Kansas Office of Emergency Management. The state's forecast calls for extreme fire weather in southwest and south-central Kansas, with low relative humidity and wind gusts of up to 55 to 60 mph.
“I urge all Kansas residents to refrain from burning during this time of extreme fire danger,” Kelly said. “By being vigilant, taking extra precautions and notifying your local fire department if a fire breaks out, you can minimize the risk of a fire getting out of control.”
State emergency response resources were activated in Texas on Friday, according to a release from the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM).
“Due to the expected high fire risk, state emergency response resources are being activated to support local wildfire response efforts,” Texas Emergency Management Director Nim Kidd said in a statement. , confirming that communities are prepared for this weekend's significant bushfire threat.” “TDEM and our partners at the Texas Emergency Management Council stand ready to support local authorities in response to requests for state emergency response assistance.”
In nearby Oklahoma, the state emergency operations center was activated and multiple agencies across the state were working to extinguish wildfires, officials said.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced that the state has requested fire management assistance from FEMA to help respond to the wildfires.
“God bless our first responders and all Oklahomans at risk,” Stitt said. Said in X's post.