Red flag warning and burn ban also issued this week due to critical fire conditions
The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook at 10:56 a.m. Wednesday for Lampasas, Coryell, Bell, Hamilton and surrounding counties.
“There is a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon into tonight, primarily along and east of the I-35 corridor. A few storms may become severe, with large hail, damaging wind gusts, and a few tornadoes possible,” NWS officials said.
In addition to possible storm activity, NWS has issued a red flag warning over the next few days due to critical fire conditions just west of Lampasas County.
“Critical Fire Weather conditions are expected over the next several days, especially over the Rio Grande Plains and Edwards Plateau. Cured fuels, strong west and northwest winds, and [relative humidity] less than 25 percent will lead to these conditions,” NWS Austin/San Antonio meteorologists said via social media.
Data provided by the Texas Forest Service shows Lampasas County to be within an area of high fire danger this week.
In a Monday meeting of Lampasas County Commissioners Court, County Judge Randy Hoyer also issued a local red flag warning, effective Tuesday through Thursday due to expected high winds. No outdoor burning is permitted on these days.
According to NWS officials, a Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.
- Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.
- Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.
- In areas where burning is permitted, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.