As expected, a wind alert involving much of the KVOE listening area has been extended and expanded.
All area counties are part of wind advisories underway until 1 am Friday. Southwest winds at or above 40 mph since around noon Wednesday are set to continue through Thursday afternoon and could remain high after changing to the northwest before sunset.
So far, grass fire activity in Lyon County has beeen minor with a small grass fire near Kansas Highway 99 and Road 130 put out quickly early Wednesday afternoon. Chase and Wabaunsee counties are in burn bans at this time.
There have also been scattered power outages in or near Emporia and Melvern. Additional outages are possible.
2 pm Wednesday: Small grass fire near Emporia Municipal Airport put out quickly; minor outages in Emporia and Melvern restored
A small grass fire near the Emporia Municipal Airport was handled quickly, despite increasing winds early Wednesday afternoon.
The fire was reported at 1323 Kansas Highway 99 shortly after 12:30 pm. Emporia Fire says the fire was limited to a ditch at the property, with less than an acre of grass burned. No injuries or other property damage was reported.
A cause is pending.
Lyon County does not go into burn bans unless a red flag warning is in effect from the National Weather Service, signaling a combination of dry grass, high wind and low relative humidity, but Chase and Wabaunsee counties are in burn bans at this time. Wind advisories continue for Lyon and most surrounding counties until 7 pm Wednesday and may be reissued with wind gusts at or above 40 mph possible through late Thursday.
Separately, minor power outages in Emporia and Melvern that developed before noon were resolved before 2 pm. Additional outages could happen due to the gusty winds.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates.
5:10 am-2 pm Wednesday: Wind advisory for Lyon, most surrounding counties until 7 pm Wednesday
High wind may be the only constant in the weather forecast getting into the upcoming weekend.
Wind advisories have been announced for Lyon, Chase, Greenwood, Morris and Wabaunsee counties from 11 am to 7 pm Wednesday.
A strong low-pressure system will lead to wind gusts between 40-50 mph starting Wednesday and continuing perhaps into Friday. Meanwhile, high temperatures will reach the mid-60s Wednesday afternoon and will stay above 50 overnight, but a cold front will bring rain and sharply cooler temperatures Thursday, along with a dusting of light snowfall Thursday night. Sunshine returns Friday with highs in the mid-40s.
No red flag warnings have been issued, which would halt outdoor burns for the affected counties, but Chase County is in a burn ban all day Wednesday and Wabaunsee County has announced a burn ban until at least 6 am Thursday. Power outages are possible, with small, isolated outages developing in Emporia and Melvern before noon Wednesday. Also, high-profile vehicles will have issues and unsecured objects like Polycarts or lawn furniture will likely move about.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates.
