Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Red Flag Warning for strong gusty winds, which is in effect until 10 PM MDT this evening.

* AFFECTED AREA...Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest, Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas and Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest.

* WINDS...South 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Higher gusts will be possible in and around thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

* IMPACTS... Existing fires may exhibit rapid rates of growth and spread, and new fires may be able to take hold quickly. Thunderstorm wind gusts in excess of 50 mph may cause sudden wind shifts in direction and speed, causing erratic fire behavior.

* AFFECTED AREAS: LINCOLN RANGER DISTRICT OF THE HELENA NATIONAL FOREST ... CENTRAL AND EASTERN LEWIS AND CLARK NATIONAL FOREST AREAS ... HELENA AND TOWNSEND RANGER DISTRICTS OF THE HELENA NATIONAL FOREST

Instructions:

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these areas of this Red Flag Warning.