Alert archive / Alaska / Red Flag Warnings in 2019

Red Flag Warning 3, NWS Fairbanks, AK

May 10, 2019

NWS Fairbanks, AK issued this red flag warning at May 10, 2019, 3:30 AM AKDT. It took effect at May 10, 2019, 12:00 PM AKDT. It was in force for 30 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
May 10, 2019, 3:30 AM AKDT (11:30 UTC)
In effect from
May 10, 2019, 12:00 PM AKDT
Expired
May 11, 2019, 5:57 PM AKDT
In force
30 hr
Issued by
NWS Fairbanks, AK

The text

As transmitted.

787 
WWAK63 PAFG 101130
RFWAFG

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
330 AM AKDT Fri May 10 2019


AKZ223-110200-
/O.UPG.PAFG.FW.A.0001.190510T2000Z-190512T0200Z/
/O.NEW.PAFG.FW.W.0003.190510T2000Z-190512T0200Z/
Deltana and Tanana Flats-
330 AM AKDT Fri May 10 2019

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM AKDT
SATURDAY FOR DELTANA AND TANANA FLATS...

The National Weather Service in Fairbanks has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from noon today to 6 PM AKDT
Saturday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA...Near Delta Junction and along the Delta River.

* TIMING...From Noon today through 6 PM Saturday. Strong winds 
  will develop this afternoon and continue through Saturday 
  afternoon. RH will fall to around 22% this afternoon and remain
  low through 10pm tonight. RH will rise to 40-50% late tonight 
  through Saturday morning, then RH will fall again Saturday 
  afternoon to around 25%.

* WINDS...South 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph developing
  this afternoon and continuing into Saturday afternoon.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 22 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...36 to 66.

* IMPACTS...Rapid ignition, growth and spread of fires will be 
  possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that conditions are occurring or will
occur which could lead to the development of large and dangerous
fires. It is directed toward fire agencies, and through them, to
the public.

Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the
field of this Red Flag Warning.

&&

$$

AKZ226-110200-
/O.UPG.PAFG.FW.A.0001.190510T2000Z-190512T0200Z/
/O.NEW.PAFG.FW.W.0003.190510T2000Z-190512T0200Z/
Eastern Alaska Range-
330 AM AKDT Fri May 10 2019

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM AKDT
SATURDAY FOR EASTERN ALASKA RANGE...

The National Weather Service in Fairbanks has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from noon today to 6 PM AKDT
Saturday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA...Along the Richardson Highway and Delta River 
  from Donnelly Dome north.

* TIMING...From Noon today through 6pm Saturday. Strong winds 
  will develop this afternoon and continue through Saturday 
  afternoon. RH will fall to around 25% this afternoon and
  remain low through 10 PM this evening. RH will rise to 40-50%
  late tonight through Saturday morning, then RH will fall again
  Saturday afternoon to around 25%.

* WINDS...Southwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 25 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...22 to 60.

* IMPACTS...Rapid ignition, growth and spread of fires will be 
  possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that conditions are occurring or will
occur which could lead to the development of large and dangerous
fires. It is directed toward fire agencies, and through them, to
the public.

Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the
field of this Red Flag Warning.

&&

$$
4 follow-up statements
187 
WWAK63 PAFG 102210
RFWAFG

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
210 PM AKDT Fri May 10 2019


AKZ223-111400-
/O.CON.PAFG.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-190512T0200Z/
Deltana and Tanana Flats-
210 PM AKDT Fri May 10 2019

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKDT SATURDAY
FOR DELTANA AND TANANA FLATS...

* AFFECTED AREA...Near Delta Junction and along the Delta River.

* TIMING...Through 6 PM Saturday. Strong winds will continue
  through Saturday afternoon. RH will fall to around 20% late this
  afternoon and remain low through 10pm tonight. RH will rise to
  45-55% late tonight through Saturday morning, then RH will fall
  again Saturday afternoon to around 20%.

* WINDS...South to southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 
  mph.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...35 to 65.

* IMPACTS...Rapid ignition, growth and spread of fires will be 
  possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that conditions are occurring or will
occur which could lead to the development of large and dangerous
fires. It is directed toward fire agencies, and through them, to
the public.

Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the
field of this Red Flag Warning.

&&

$$

AKZ226-111400-
/O.CON.PAFG.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-190512T0200Z/
Eastern Alaska Range-
210 PM AKDT Fri May 10 2019

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKDT SATURDAY
FOR EASTERN ALASKA RANGE...

* AFFECTED AREA...Along the Richardson Highway and Delta River 
  from Donnelly Dome north.

* TIMING...Through 6pm Saturday. Strong winds will develop this
  afternoon and continue through Saturday afternoon. RH will fall
  to around 25% late this afternoon and remain low through 10 PM
  this evening. RH will rise to 45-55% late tonight through 
  Saturday morning, then RH will fall again Saturday afternoon to 
  around 25%.

* WINDS...Southwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 24 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...21 to 56.

* IMPACTS...Rapid ignition, growth and spread of fires will be 
  possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that conditions are occurring or will
occur which could lead to the development of large and dangerous
fires. It is directed toward fire agencies, and through them, to
the public.

Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the
field of this Red Flag Warning.

&&

$$
060 
WWAK63 PAFG 111202
RFWAFG

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
402 AM AKDT Sat May 11 2019

AKZ223-120200-
/O.CON.PAFG.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-190512T0200Z/
Deltana and Tanana Flats-
402 AM AKDT Sat May 11 2019

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKDT THIS
EVENING FOR DELTANA AND TANANA FLATS...

* AFFECTED AREA...Near Delta Junction and along the Delta River.

* TIMING...Through 6 PM this evening. RH will fall to around 20%
  late this afternoon and remain low through this evening. The
  strongest winds are expected this morning. Wind slowly die down
  this afternoon.
  

* WINDS...South 15 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...50 to 58.

* IMPACTS...Rapid ignition, growth and spread of fires will be 
  possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that conditions are occurring or will
occur which could lead to the development of large and dangerous
fires. It is directed toward fire agencies, and through them, to
the public.

Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the
field of this Red Flag Warning.

&&

$$

AKZ226-120200-
/O.CON.PAFG.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-190512T0200Z/
Eastern Alaska Range-
402 AM AKDT Sat May 11 2019

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKDT THIS
EVENING FOR EASTERN ALASKA RANGE...

* AFFECTED AREA...Along the Richardson Highway and Delta River 
  from Donnelly Dome north.

* TIMING...Through 6 PM this evening. RH will fall to around 20%
  late this afternoon and remain low through this evening. The
  strongest winds are expected this morning. Wind slowly die down
  this afternoon.

* WINDS...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 25 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...As high as 50 to 56.

* IMPACTS...Rapid ignition, growth and spread of fires will be 
  possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that conditions are occurring or will
occur which could lead to the development of large and dangerous
fires. It is directed toward fire agencies, and through them, to
the public.

Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the
field of this Red Flag Warning.

&&

$$
124 
WWAK63 PAFG 111203 CCA
RFWAFG

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE...CORRECTED
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
403 AM AKDT Sat May 11 2019

AKZ223-120200-
/O.CON.PAFG.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-190512T0200Z/
Deltana and Tanana Flats-
403 AM AKDT Sat May 11 2019

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKDT THIS
EVENING FOR DELTANA AND TANANA FLATS...

* AFFECTED AREA...Near Delta Junction and along the Delta River.

* TIMING...Through 6 PM this evening. RH will fall to around 20%
  late this afternoon and remain low through this evening. The
  strongest winds are expected this morning. Wind slowly die down
  this afternoon.
  

* WINDS...South 15 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...50 to 58.

* IMPACTS...Rapid ignition, growth and spread of fires will be 
  possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that conditions are occurring or will
occur which could lead to the development of large and dangerous
fires. It is directed toward fire agencies, and through them, to
the public.

Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the
field of this Red Flag Warning.

&&

$$

AKZ226-120200-
/O.COR.PAFG.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-190512T0200Z/
Eastern Alaska Range-
403 AM AKDT Sat May 11 2019

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKDT THIS
EVENING FOR EASTERN ALASKA RANGE...

* AFFECTED AREA...Along the Richardson Highway and Delta River 
  from Donnelly Dome north.

* TIMING...Through 6 PM this evening. RH will fall to around 20%
  late this afternoon and remain low through this evening. The
  strongest winds are expected this morning. Wind slowly die down
  this afternoon.

* WINDS...Southwest 20 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 25 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...As high as 50 to 56.

* IMPACTS...Rapid ignition, growth and spread of fires will be 
  possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that conditions are occurring or will
occur which could lead to the development of large and dangerous
fires. It is directed toward fire agencies, and through them, to
the public.

Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the
field of this Red Flag Warning.

&&

$$
238 
WWAK63 PAFG 120157
RFWAFG

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
557 PM AKDT Sat May 11 2019


AKZ223-226-120300-
/O.CAN.PAFG.FW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-190512T0200Z/
Deltana and Tanana Flats-Eastern Alaska Range-
557 PM AKDT Sat May 11 2019

...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR EASTERN ALASKA RANGE AND
DELTANA AND TANANA FLATS...

The National Weather Service in Fairbanks has cancelled the Red
Flag Warning.

Winds are now decreasing, RH is rising, and Red Flag conditions have ended. 

$$

JB

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this red flag warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Fairbanks, AK wrote its last area forecast discussion before this red flag warning went out at May 10, 3:28 AM AKDT, 2 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 10, 3:28 AM AKDT, 2 minutes before
Northern Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
328 AM AKDT Fri May 10 2019

.HIGHLIGHTS...
A strong weather front will move north of the Alaska Range this
afternoon and push north and west to the West Coast and North
Slope by Saturday afternoon. This storm will bring strong southerly
chinook winds across the Alaska Range from this afternoon through
Saturday afternoon, causing Red Flag conditions near Delta
Junction this afternoon through Saturday evening. This storm will
bring rain to much of the Western and Northern Interior of Alaska
this afternoon and tonight and will and spread rain to the West
Coast tonight and Saturday, and will bring a chance of snow and
rain to the North Slope on tonight and Saturday.

.SYNOPSIS...
Aloft at 500 mb...A deep longwave trough extending from the North
Pole to the Bering Strait and southward to the Central Aleutians
and Central Pacific will remain in place as an upper level ridge
continues to build north over British Columbia, the Yukon and the
Central and Eastern Interior today but will be pushed to the east
over the weekend allowing for the deep trough over the Bering Sea
to expand east over the Central and Eastern Interior. A series of
shortwaves will push north over northern Alaska into early next
week before the upper level ridge over the Yukon pushes back to
the west over Central Alaska which will bring seasonal
temperatures and generally dry conditions over the Central and
Eastern Alaska and showery conditions over western Alaska by the
middle of next week.

On the surface...A 985 mb low currently over Kodiak Island will
continue to push north and west into southwest Alaska this evening
and will push a strong front north and west over the Alaska Range
this evening. Strong winds are expected to develop in and near the
Central and Eastern Alaska Range Passes as well as along the
northern foothills of the Alaska Range. Wind Advisories have been
issued for these areas beginning this afternoon and continuing
through Saturday evening. A strong mountain wave combined with 60
knots aloft will produce strong winds and wind gusts in these
areas. The strong and gusty winds will be concurrent with minimum
relative humidity levels dropping into the 20s this afternoon and
evening south of Delta Junction and north of Black Rapids. The
relative humidity is expected to only recover to around 50 percent
tonight and will drop again into the 25 to 30 percent range
Saturday afternoon and evening. The Fire Weather Watches for these
areas have been updated to Red Flag Warnings beginning this
afternoon and continuing through early Saturday evening. North of
Delta Junction neither winds nor temperature requirements will be
met for Red Flag conditions but relative humidity levels in the
20s are expected especially east of Fairbanks.

There is just enough energy available in the atmosphere and
instability to produce some isolated thunderstorms in the interior
this afternoon along a line from McGrath to just north of
Fairbanks to Chicken however strong winds aloft will likely
quickly shear apart any storms that do manage to start so the
storms that do develop will be short lived.

Storm total precipitation through Saturday is expected to range
from one tenth to a quarter of an inch in the Western and Northern
Interior. Several inches of snow are expected above 2500 feet in
the Brooks Range as the front pushes north tonight.

The 10/00z model suite initialized well against the 00z surface
analysis and verified well against the 06z surface analysis. Model
spread has been reasonable on the position and strength of
synoptic scale features and remains consistent from model run to
model run.

Coastal Hazard Potential Days 3 and 4...None.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Strong southerly chinook winds will develop this afternoon along
the north side of the Alaska Range through Saturday afternoon.
South winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph are possible near
Delta Junctions with wind gusts to 60 mph possible further south
through Isabell Pass. Minimum RHs are expected to fall into the
20-30% range this afternoon and in the 25% to 30% range on
Saturday afternoon in the southern interior including the Tanana
Valley. Neither winds nor temperatures are expected to meet Red
Flag criteria in this areas, however expected very windy
conditions and dry conditions have prompted upgrading the Fire
Weather Watches near and just south of Delta Junction to Red Flag
Warning beginning this afternoon and continuing into Saturday
evening.

This same storm system will bring rain to much of the Western and
Northern Interior of Alaska this afternoon into Saturday. There
will be a slight change of thunderstorms each afternoon and
evening along a line from McGrath to just north of Fairbanks to
Chicken.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
With increased temperatures and freezing levels Fri, should see
increased melting into the weekend, but more significant melting
next week. Rivers rising slightly through this weekend, then
bigger rises next week. Expect slow melting of in place ice to
continue through the weekend. May get enough melt water next week
for break up to get under way remainder of northern AK.

&&

.AFG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Wind Advisory for AKZ223-AKZ225-AKZ226.

Red Flag Warning for AKZ223-AKZ226.

Small Craft Advisory for PKZ200-PKZ210-PKZ220-PKZ225.

Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ240-PKZ245.
&&

CCC MAY 19

The office that day

Everything else NWS Fairbanks, AK issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 10, 4:10 AM AKDTBrisk Wind AdvisoryAFG48 hr
May 10, 4:10 AM AKDTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFG48 hr
May 10, 4:10 AM AKDTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFG48 hr
May 10, 4:10 AM AKDTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFG48 hr

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in Alaska, 2019Every red flag warning in 2019

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text.