Springfield area seeing 'very unusual level' of fire risk as storms approach: NWS
In the midst of historic fire weather conditions, a storm system is working its way toward the Ozarks, according to the National Weather Service. Storms are expected between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, and could bring strong winds, thunderstorms and hail up to the size of a baseball.
A Red Flag Warning in effect for the area until 1 a.m. Saturday, with the Springfield area being listed among those in "critically extreme fire danger." A Red Flag Warning is issued when a combination of factors increase the risk of fire danger, according to the NWS.
"This is a very unusual level of risk in regards to fire across this area," said Kelsey Angle, meteorologist in charge at the NWS Springfield office. "It's fairly unusual to get winds this strong and relative humidity this low and temperatures this warm and fuels this dry all at the same time."
The NWS strongly discourages any burning, encourages people to properly dispose of cigarettes, to avoid parking on dry grass and to check trailers for dragging chains.
Thunderstorms were developing across eastern Oklahoma and eastern Kansas as of 2 p.m., Angle said, which will move into southwest Missouri tonight.
More: Drivers can expect delays, lane closures when I-44 widening project begins next week
"As those thunderstorms move into the Ozarks, they will strengthen," he said. "We do expect large hail up to the size of baseballs, damaging winds up to 80 mph and even a few tornadoes" possible, with them being most likely along and to the east of Highway 65.
Greene County also has a high wind watch in effect until 8 p.m., with sustained 30 to 40 mile per hour winds and gusts that could reach or exceed 60 mph. Angle said that the wind can be expected to remain strong throughout the evening and into the overnight hours.
High wind can damage trees and powerlines, make driving difficult and cause loose objects to be blown around.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: NWS: Springfield could see large hail, up to 80 mph winds, tornadoes
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