WICHITA — The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a High Wind Watch for Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening.
South winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are possible in Russell, Lincoln, Barton, Ellsworth, Rice and Reno Counties.
Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Secure all loose outdoor items as high winds will have the ability to send them airborne.
Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of winds.
There is also a Fire Weather Watch for Tuesday related to the wind, as well as relative humidity as low as 17 percent.
Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible red flag warnings. A Red Flag Warning has already been issued for the tier of counties immediately to the west of Reno County for Tuesday.