A red flag warning has been issued for several states on the East Coast due to strong winds caused by unusually warm weather and dry and windy conditions affecting the region.
The National Weather Service (NWS) showed warnings in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
A red flag warning is issued when a combination of high winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels will create significantly increased fire growth potential.
New York City, including Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley, have also been placed on alert.
Westerly winds of 5 to 25 miles per hour are expected today with gusts up to 30 miles per hour and relative humidity as low as 28 percent.
The combination of factors “creates a significantly increased fire growth potential,” causing fires that can spread quickly without warning.
Fire restrictions apply to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with residents advised to use only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, and unpainted wood.
The red flag warning remains in effect until 6:00 PM ET.
This is a developing story… More updates to follow.
A red flag warning has been issued for several states on the East Coast as strong winds due to unusually warm weather and dry and windy conditions batter the region.
“Any fire that develops will quickly catch on and spread,” the warning reads. ‘Outdoor burning is not recommended.’