NEW ORLEANS — The National Weather Service in New Orleans has issued a Red Flag Warning for all of southern Mississippi and parts of southeast Louisiana on Saturday due to critical fire weather conditions.
The warning is in effect from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT Saturday, replacing the previous Fire Weather Watch.
A cold front moving through the region Saturday will bring very dry air, dropping relative humidity levels into the low-to-mid-30% range. Combined with northerly winds of 10 to 20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph, any fires that develop could spread rapidly.
Areas Affected
Louisiana:
- Ascension (Eastern and Western)
- Assumption
- East Baton Rouge
- East Feliciana
- Iberville
- Livingston (Northern and Southern)
- Pointe Coupee
- St. Helena
- St. James
- St. Tammany (Northern, Southwestern, and Southeast)
- Tangipahoa (Northern, Central, and Lower)
- Washington
- West Baton Rouge
- West Feliciana
Mississippi:
- Amite
- Hancock
- Harrison
- Jackson
- Pearl River
- Pike
- Walthall
- Wilkinson
Safety Recommendations
A Red Flag Warning indicates that critical fire weather conditions are occurring or imminent. The combination of gusty winds, low humidity, warm temperatures, and dry vegetation creates an environment for extreme fire behavior.
Weather officials advise the public to adhere to the following safety measures:
- Avoid outdoor burning: Refrain from burning yard debris, trash, or brush during the warning period.
- Dispose of smoking materials safely: Ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished in proper receptacles, never tossed outside or from vehicles.
- Prevent sparks: Avoid using lawn mowers or power tools on dry grass during peak heat and wind hours, and ensure trailer safety chains are not dragging on roadways.
- Extinguish campfires: Extinguish all outdoor fires and grills completely by dousing them with water until cold.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local updates from the National Weather Service for changes to the forecast.
READ MORE:Red Flag Warning: Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi Saturday
