Omaha, Nebraska – Wind gusts up to 45 mph and humidity dropping to 15 to 20 percent will create extreme fire danger across northeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, threatening areas along Interstate 80, Interstate 29 and U.S. Highway 75.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley, a Red Flag Warning is in effect late Wednesday morning through the afternoon as dry conditions combine with strong winds. Sustained winds of 30 to 45 mph are expected, allowing any fire that starts to spread rapidly and become difficult to control.
Communities including Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk and Sioux City fall within the warned area. Open fields along I-80, I-29 and Highway 275 will be especially vulnerable, where dormant winter grasses can ignite quickly. Blowing embers could carry flames across roadways and into nearby neighborhoods.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, postpone agricultural field work that could spark flames and properly secure trailer chains to prevent roadway sparks. Even parking on dry grass can start a fire under these conditions.
High-profile vehicles may also experience difficult driving conditions due to strong crosswinds on east-west routes. The most dangerous period for fire growth will be during the peak heating hours of the afternoon.
The Red Flag Warning expires at 6 p.m. Wednesday, but elevated fire danger could linger if dry and windy conditions persist later this week.
