Extraordinarily High Wildfire Risk - Updated 3:25pm

1p. Multiple Wind Gusts of 80 to 85 mph Have Been Measured in West Texas During the Past Hour. The town of Leedey, OK is being evacuated due to a wildfire at this moment.. 

2:15p from Bloomington, KS which is south of Augusta. 

3:16pm. Satellite image of Oklahoma with OKC in the center. Bright orange = major wildfires in progress at that time. 

Below is the wildfire likelihood forecast:

Wind gusts to 90 mph are likely -- with a peak gust of 100 mph -- in this weather situation in the "extreme" (purple) areas. The scalloped black area is where mostly dry thunderstorms are forecast to cause downburst winds with relatively little rain. That, plus the lightning, may set fires. 

It is absolutely essential that wildfires be prevented from starting. Recommendations:
  • Don't drag chains. 
  • Don't throw out cigarette butts. 
  • Avoid operating equipment that can spread sparks. 
  • No campfires!
  • Keep vehicles off dry grass. Stay on the road. 
  • If you see a fire, even if small, report it immediately. 
Please take this threat seriously. 

Update at 10:10am. The blowing dust has begun. Dust storms are quite likely today to the west of Highway 81. Power outages are possible west of Highway 75. 


Satellite from 12:30pm. 

Power is already out in parts of New Mexico and much of the Texas Panhandle. In some cases, the power company has proactively cut power. 

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