Intense winds and critical fire danger have been wreaking havoc across the central United States this weekend, leaving roads closed and thousands without power. Low relative humidity and high winds are combining to create extreme fire weather threats in the western half of the Southern and Central Plains. Red flag warnings have been issued for over 10 million people, spanning nearly border to border across much of the Plains.
The National Weather Service has warned that the widespread fire risk will persist through Sunday, driven by gusty, dry air and an ongoing drought. Firefighters in Oklahoma have been battling several wildfires across six counties, with winds as strong as 60 mph. Aircraft have been brought in to help slow down the fires, but they were still burning Saturday night.
These conditions have prompted emergency responses in Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has issued a state of disaster proclamation, allowing resources to be used to provide assistance. Texas has activated state emergency response resources, and in Oklahoma, the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated, with
