Red Flag Warning Issued for Western and North-Central Arkansas Through Thursday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Little Rock has issued a Red Flag Warning for portions of western, northwest, and north-central Arkansas. This alert signifies that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will develop shortly, creating a high risk for extreme fire behavior.

Affected Areas

The following geographic regions and counties are included in the warning area:

• Southern Johnson County
• Southern Pope County
• Western and Northern Logan County
• Johnson County Higher Elevations
• Pope County Higher Elevations
• Southern and Eastern Logan County

What You Should Do

Residents are strongly advised that outdoor burning is not recommended during this period. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. If a fire develops, it could spread rapidly. Residents should prepare for hazardous conditions and monitor local updates.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: South and southwest winds between 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching as high as 35 mph.
• Humidity: Very dry conditions with relative humidity levels ranging from 10 to 25 percent.
• Hazards: Any fires that start will likely spread quickly due to the combination of wind and low moisture.

Timeline

The Red Flag Warning is effective starting at 9:00 AM CST on Thursday, February 19. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 8:00 PM CST on Thursday evening.