Red flag warnings have expanded and several county-level burn bans are in effect with a critical fire danger now in place.
The National Weather Service has red flag warnings and automatic burn bans for Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties from 12-8 pm due to temperatures in the 80s, southerly winds up to 35 mph and relative humidity levels at or below 25 percent. No other area counties have fire weather alerts at this time, but outdoor burning is banned in Chase and Coffey counties until further notice and discouraged in Greenwood County.
Because of the fire risk, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has issued a declaration of disaster emergency, letting the state “pre-position” equipment like helicopters and other assets to speed up the emergency response if needed. The state’s Emergency Operations Center has been partially activated so state officials can stay in close contact with county emergency personnel.
5:20 am Thursday: Red flag warnings for Lyon, several neighboring counties Thursday; severe risk ahead Friday night
Critical fire danger is in place for part of the KVOE listening area Thursday, including Lyon County.
The National Weather Service has red flag warnings and automatic burn bans for Lyon, Morris and Wabaunsee counties from 12-8 pm due to temperatures in the 80s, southerly winds up to 35 mph and relative humidity levels at or below 25 percent. No other area counties have fire weather alerts at this time, but outdoor burning is strongly discouraged in Chase, Coffey, Greenwood and Osage counties the rest of Thursday.
Windy conditions are expected Friday, but increasing humidity will likely reduce the critical fire risk while increasing the thunderstorm chances, including a slight risk for severe weather for all area counties. All hazards are possible by Friday evening, but the main concerns are hail and wind.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates.
