On Wednesday at 1:16 a.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated red flag warning valid between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. The warning is for Llano, Burnet, Williamson, Val Verde, Edwards, Real, Kerr, Bandera, Gillespie, Kendall, Blanco, Hays, Travis, Bastrop, Lee, Kinney, Uvalde, Medina, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Caldwell, Fayette, Maverick, Zavala, Frio, Atascosa, Wilson, Karnes, Gonzales, De Witt, Lavaca and Dimmit counties.
Winds are expected to be northwest 15 to 30 mph with gusts of 30 to 45 mph and relative humidity 5 to 15 percent.
“A Pacific front will quickly advance across the region early to mid-morning. Strong northwesterly winds and very dry air in its wake will bring critical fire weather conditions to all of South Central Texas. Sustained winds of 15 to 30 mph with gusts of 30 to 45 mph will coincide with minimum relative humidity values of 5 to 18 percent and dry to extremely dry fuels,” states the NWS. “Any fires that develop will rapidly increase in size and intensity, move quickly, and be very difficult to control.”
What does a red flag warning mean?
A red flag warning implies that either extreme fire weather conditions are currently taking place or will occur shortly, according to the NWS. Warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire to spread rapidly.
What should you do under a red flag warning?
During a red flag warning, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and be prepared to take immediate action in case a fire starts. The NWS offers these steps you can take to lower the risk of fires igniting and ensure your safety:
1. Secure burn barrels:
If burning is authorized in your vicinity, ensure that all burn barrels feature a weighted metal cover with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
2. Mindful handling of smoking materials:
Steer clear of haphazardly discarding lit cigarette butts and avoid flinging cigarettes or matches from moving vehicles. These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
3. Prudent fire extinguishing practices:
To safeguard against accidental fires, diligently extinguish all outdoor fires. Drown them with an ample amount of water and stir to confirm that everything is cold to the touch. Submerge charcoal in water until it’s thoroughly cooled. Never dispose of live charcoal on the ground.
4. Never desert a blaze:
Avoid leaving any fire unattended. Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions. Prioritize safety, stay informed, and act responsibly to protect lives and property.
Source: The National Weather Service
