URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Morristown TN
511 AM EST Tue Mar 4 2025
Red Flag Warning in effect for Tuesday afternoon/evening for high winds and low relative humidities.
Strong downslope winds will increase in the afternoon. Downsloping will cause drying of the air leading to a fire danger threat in the afternoon and evening.
Johnson-Cocke Smoky Mountains-Southeast Greene-Unicoi-Southeast Carter-Blount Smoky Mountains-Sevier Smoky Mountains-Southeast Monroe
RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM EST THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR EAST TENNESSEE MOUNTAINS AND FOOTHILLS.
* TIMING…10 AM to 8 PM EST Tuesday.
* WIND…Strong southerly winds are expected today. Wind gusts in excess of 30 mph should develop by mid morning, with gusts over 60 mph occurring in some spots by late this afternoon and evening. While humidity levels will steadily climb tonight, winds will continue to increase into the overnight hours with peak gusts of 80 mph or greater possible around midnight.
* HUMIDITY…May get as low as 15% to 25% at times due to downslope drying.
* IMPACTS…Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now….or are expected to occur shortly. A combination of strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
