Strong winds are picking up this afternoon across West Texas. In parts of the region, gusts will reach as high 65 miles per hour. The high winds are causing several warnings in the area.
Until 8 tonight, the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the Marfa Plateau, Presidio Valley, and the Big Bend Area.
" We issue that when we see very low relative humidity," says Julie Phillipson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Midland office. " It’s been so dry, anmmd the grasses are all so dry from the winter. When we see the winds increase as much as they are today that results in some very high fire danger and critical fire conditions.”
Phillipson says people in these areas should avoid activities that may cause flames or sparks.
In other parts of West Texas — like in Van Horn and near the Guadalupe mountains — high winds will reach up to 65 miles per hour. The National Weather Service says this will lead to blowing dust in the region and cause problems for motorists.
“One of the biggest concerns is those driving high-profile vehicles," says Phillipson. "A lot of the times those are more susceptible to getting rolled over by the wind. Like semi-trucks, or tractor trailers.
"So just need to be careful in high-profile trucks and take it easy.”
Windy conditions will continue overnight, but winds won't be as high as they are this afternoon and evening.
