Johnson City, TN – Strong winds and low humidity are raising the fire risk across East Tennessee and parts of Western North Carolina today, with a Red Flag Warning in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, the warning covers several mountain and foothill counties in Tennessee—including Johnson, Cocke, Greene, and Monroe—as well as Cherokee and Clay counties in North Carolina. Sustained winds between 10 to 20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph in higher elevations are driving the elevated fire danger.
Minimum relative humidity is expected to drop as low as 20% in some foothill areas this afternoon and evening. These dry conditions, paired with warm temperatures, create an environment where wildfires can start and spread quickly.
Residents are strongly urged to avoid any outdoor burning and exercise caution with anything that could ignite a flame. Local fire departments and emergency services remain on high alert throughout the day.
