Millions of Americans have been warned to prepare for possible power outages as a sprawling outbreak of extreme fire weather threatens nine states this weekend.
The National Weather Service (NWS) offices from Arizona to Alaska have issued Red Flag Warnings, citing a volatile combination of powerful winds, bone-dry air and tinderbox conditions that could allow any spark to explode into a fast-moving wildfire.
The warnings affect parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Alaska.
In some areas, forecasters warned that gusts could reach 55mph while humidity levels plunge as low as five percent.
Officials said the conditions are so severe that parts of Utah have been placed under a rare ‘Particularly Dangerous Situation’ designation, with residents urged to prepare emergency kits and know their evacuation routes.
The dangerous fire weather outbreak begins Friday and intensifies over the weekend, with most Red Flag Warnings taking effect between Friday morning and Saturday morning and lasting through Sunday evening in some areas.
Forecasters cautioned that downed power lines could ignite new fires and trigger blackouts. Residents are being urged to avoid outdoor burning, refrain from using equipment that could create sparks and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.
Officials said the threat to life and property is significant and cautioned that safe and timely evacuations may not be possible if a wildfire rapidly approaches.
Millions of Americans have been warned to prepare for possible power outages as a sprawling outbreak of extreme fire weather threatens nine states this weekend (STOCK)
AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jon Porter said in a statement: ‘The damaging winds will themselves result in power outages in some areas, and, especially in the highest-risk areas, electric utilities may initiate Public Safety Power Shutoffs to reduce the chance that their utility infrastructure contributes to wildfire starts.
‘People in these areas should prepare for the risk of power outages, which may last for an extended time in some areas.’
The most serious warnings are centered on the Southwest and Intermountain West, where fierce winds are expected to combine with parched landscapes that have already dried out under weeks of hot weather.
Across Utah, southwest winds of 20 to 30mph are expected to gust as high as 50mph while relative humidity levels sink to between five and 10 percent.
Arizona is facing similarly dangerous conditions, with Red Flag Warnings covering large portions of the state, including the Grand Canyon region, the White Mountains and areas surrounding Phoenix and Tucson.
Forecasters warned that winds may damage power lines, potentially sparking new blazes.
A Red Flag Warning is an alert issued by the NWS indicating that critical weather conditions, such as strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation, are occurring or will occur within 24 hours.
California’s eastern Kern County and the Lake Isabella region are also under Red Flag Warnings, with forecasters giving a 70 to 80 percent chance that wind gusts will exceed 55mph on Saturday.
The warnings stretch from Friday into Sunday and affect parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Alaska.
In Colorado, the National Weather Service warned that ‘extreme fire danger is expected’ as winds of up to 55mph sweep across several mountain and valley communities. Officials said any fires that ignite could spread uncontrollably and become highly destructive.
New Mexico, Nevada and Idaho are also under multiple warnings.
In New Mexico, officials warned that any lightning-started fires could quickly grow under strong winds and dry conditions.
Nevada’s warnings cite rapidly spreading fires and the potential for extreme fire behavior.
Even Alaska is under Red Flag Warnings as numerous thunderstorms threaten to ignite new fires in dry, burnable fuels.
The NWS repeatedly stressed that a Red Flag Warning does not mean a wildfire is already burning. Instead, it means weather conditions are ideal for a fire to ignite and spread rapidly.
Emergency officials are urging residents in affected areas to review evacuation plans, keep emergency supplies on hand and avoid any activities that could create sparks, including campfires, target shooting and using power equipment near dry vegetation.
