Weather Officials Warn Elevated Risk of Fires in Hudson Valley

Weather officials are warning there's an elevated chance of fires in the Hudson Valley today.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties from noon Wednesday until 11 p.m.

A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are expected or occurring. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels will create a significantly elevated fire growth potential, officials say.

Wind speeds are expected to be 15 to 25 miles per hour with wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour in those counties. The humidity will be as low as 19 percent.

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Rapid fire spread is possible if ignition occurs, according to the National Weather Service.

As of this writing, a Red Flag Warning has not been issued for Dutchess or Ulster counties but the National Weather Service issued a "Special Weather Statement" saying dry and windy conditions will result in an elevated risk of brush
fires in those counties this afternoon and evening.

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