Gusty winds and a change in wind direction kept some area firefighters busy Friday night into early Saturday.
Greenwood County had two grass fires after sunset, including one that developed near 380th Street between T and U — about four miles northwest of Madison. Olpe Fire was called in as mutual aid shortly after 9:30 pm and was finally released a bit before 11 pm. Another fire developed near 300th and H Roads outside Teter Rock. Power lines may have played roles in both incidents.
Winds were strong all day. For most of the day, starting before 3 am, winds were approaching 50 mph out of the south. Winds shifted out of the north before 7 pm but remained at or above 40 mph.
Wind gusts were as high as 48 mph at the Emporia Municipal Airport, 46 mph at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and 45 mph at the Eureka Airport.
Cool and occasionally breezy conditions are in Saturday’s forecast with a high around 40 degrees. Sunday’s will be around 50 degrees with calmer conditions. There is no chance of precipitation until a rain-snow mix opportunity Wednesday through Thursday.
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