Hold on to your hats: Fire danger in Shenandoah Valley, strong wind gusts likely

A red flag warning has been issued for the Shenandoah Valley on Wednesday due to dangerous fire conditions throughout the region.

A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures may contribute to the extreme fire behavior, according to the National Weather Service.

The red flag warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for:

• Augusta County
• Rockingham County
• Shenandoah County
• Frederick County
• Page County
• Warren County
• Clarke County
• Eastern Highland County
• Northern Virginia

Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour are possible.

Relative humidity is as low as 20 percent. Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly.

Outdoor burning is not recommended; local burn bans may be in place.

AccuWeather said the wind may lead to travel delays, strip remaining leaves off trees and cause power outages.

Special weather statement

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An elevated fire warning extends beyond the Shenandoah Valley to eastern West Virginia, portions of Western Maryland and much of central and northwest Virginia.

Dry grasses, dead leaves and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.

During a warning of this nature, cigarette butts, matches and other flammable items should be disposed of in appropriate containers.

Exercise caution when operating equipment that could create sparks, and keep vehicles off dry grasses.