Red Flag Warning Issued Across Harris County, Texas
Gusts Could Reach 45 Miles Per Hour, Hazardous Conditions Expected
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning across Harris County, Texas, alerting residents that conditions are favorable for wildfires. The warning was upgraded from a Fire Weather Watch overnight and expands across areas along and west of Interstate 45, effective until Tuesday evening.
What to Expect
Wind gusts potentially reaching 45 miles per hour and a relative humidity of 15 to 25 percent prompted the weather service to issue the warning. Additionally, a Gale Warning alerting of sustained winds ranging from 35 to 47 knots and hazardous wind and wave conditions was issued across all Gulf waters and Galveston Bay.
Precautions to Take
Cameron Batiste, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, emphasized that while the risk of severe weather is not extremely high, it is still important to take precautions. “It’s likely just going to be some very isolated instances if anything, but chances are much higher towards the northeast of the Houston area as far as severe weather goes,” Batiste said.
Some storms could become strong to severe, running the risk of strong wind gusts, hail, and isolated tornadoes. Residents are advised to:
* Avoid open flames or sparks
* Keep vehicles off of dry grass
* Properly discard cigarettes
* Avoid all fire-related activities
* Use extreme caution if working with equipment that could spark
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was a Red Flag Warning issued?
A: A Red Flag Warning was issued due to wind gusts potentially reaching 45 miles per hour and a relative humidity of 15 to 25 percent, creating conditions favorable for wildfires.
Q: How long will the warning be in effect?
A: The warning will be in effect until Tuesday evening for areas along and west of Interstate 45 and until 6 p.m. for all areas of Southeast Texas.
Q: What is the risk of severe weather?
A: There is a slight risk of severe weather for locations generally east and northeast of the Houston metro area, and a marginal risk along and east of the Interstate 45 corridor.
Q: Are there any other advisories in effect?
A: A coastal flood advisory is also in effect over each high tide cycle through 9 p.m. Tuesday.
