Red Flag Warning Issued for Shannon, Oregon, and Carter Counties in Southeast Missouri
A Red Flag Warning is in effect for southeast Missouri on Thursday, February 19, as high winds and low humidity create a significant risk for rapid fire spread.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Paducah, KY, has issued a Red Flag Warning for southeast Missouri. This alert is triggered by a combination of gusty winds, dry fuels, and low relative humidity, creating high fire danger conditions.
Affected Areas
The warning specifically covers the following geographic regions in Missouri:
- Shannon County
- Oregon County
- Carter County
This includes Fire Weather Zones 098, 106, and 107.
What You Should Do
Outdoor burning is not recommended during this period. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. Residents should be aware that a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Expected Conditions
Weather conditions contributing to this alert include:
- Winds: Southwest winds between 10 to 16 mph, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph.
- Humidity: Relative humidity levels as low as 15 to 20 percent.
- Fuel Moisture: 10-hour fuels are reported as low as 7 to 8 percent.
Timeline
The Red Flag Warning is effective from 12:00 PM CST on Thursday, February 19, 2026, and is scheduled to expire at 8:00 PM CST the same day.
Source: NOAA Official Notice
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