Iowa Weather Advisory: High Winds and Fire Risk Announced on Friday

Central Iowa is facing a wind advisory and a Red Flag Warning on Friday, with winds expected to reach up to 50 mph and low humidity increasing fire risks. Residents are urged to secure outdoor objects and take extra care while driving. Critical fire weather conditions may lead to rapid fire spread, advising against outdoor burning.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for central Iowa, indicating that northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts reaching up to 50 mph are expected from 10 AM to 6 PM CST on Friday. The most severe winds are anticipated north of Highway 30 and in valley areas, which could lead to the blowing around of unsecured objects and potential power outages.

In addition to the wind advisory, critical fire weather conditions have been observed due to strong winds and low relative humidity. A Red Flag Warning has been declared for central and southern Iowa, effective from noon to 6 PM CST on Friday. With humidity levels dropping as low as 25%, any fires that develop are likely to spread quickly, making outdoor burning inadvisable.

These strong winds may create challenging driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles. Residents are advised to exercise caution while driving and secure outdoor items to prevent them from being displaced by the gusts. The weather is forecasted to improve as clouds approach from the north later in the day.

In summary, central Iowa is under a wind advisory and a Red Flag Warning on Friday, emphasizing the dangers posed by strong winds and low humidity. Residents should take precautions against fire hazards and exercise caution while driving. Staying informed about the weather conditions is crucial for safety during this period.

Original Source: www.oskaloosa.com