WOAY-TV (Oak Hill, WV): The coming weekend will be a busy weather weekend across the country, featuring everything from fire risks to severe storms. Here’s what we are looking at as the week ends:
DUST FROM THE SOUTHWEST: If you’ve seen dust in the air, you aren’t alone. Dust has been strewn across the country from the southwestern desert of Texas and New Mexico. There isn’t an end in sight either, as the dry conditions and winds are bringing another round of dust from the area across the country. Here’s an image of the satellite showing the large plume of dust from the southwest:
FIRE WEATHER: As the dry conditions continue across the southern plains, the fire risk is very prominent today. The Storm Predication Center (SPC) has placed extreme risks in northern Texas and most of Oklahoma, while critical risks are present in a majority of Texas and as far north as Missouri and Colorado. West Virginia also has an enhanced fire risk today, as conditions stay dry until tomorrow. Make sure to continue following the burn bans, as they are essential to keep us safe from these fire risks.
SEVERE WEATHER OUTLOOK: Severe weather is starting today in the plains, but will intensify even more into tomorrow. The SPC has issued its 3rd EVER Day 2 High Risk, the last one being issued in 2012. The highest risk is located in Alabama and Mississippi, but West Virginia will also see some action. There will be twisters in the high (pink) and moderate (red) risk areas, which we will be following. Our area is under a marginal (dark green) risk, with mostly damaging winds and heavy rain expected. Rotation cannot be ruled out, but is not anticipated at this time. Regardless, please be prepared for strong to severe storms with food, water, and battery powered devices.
