CHEROKEE & CLAY COUNTIES, N.C. – The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Morristown, Tennessee, has issued an updated special weather statement for Cherokee and Clay counties, warning residents of an elevated fire danger through 6 p.m. Tuesday due to a combination of gusty winds and low humidity.
In its early-morning update released at 1:06 a.m. Tuesday, the NWS cautioned that dry conditions and strong south-to-southwest winds could cause fires to spread rapidly if ignited.
“The combination of gusty winds and low afternoon relative humidities will lead to an elevated fire risk on Tuesday,” the agency said. “Sustained south to southwest winds from 5 to 15 mph with some higher gusts into the 15 to 25 mph range are expected during the afternoon hours. Relative humidities will range from the upper 20s to mid-30s. These conditions could allow for fires to become uncontrolled.”
Fire Safety Warning and Local Burn Restrictions
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning and check with local burn permitting authorities before lighting any fires. Even small burns or brush piles could quickly grow out of control under the current weather setup.
The NWS emphasized that the dry air mass combined with gusty winds will make it easier for grass, leaves, and vegetation to ignite and spread flames. Firefighters across western North Carolina are already on alert as recent dry weather has increased wildfire potential in the region.
“Use extreme caution when burning as fires may get out of hand quickly in these conditions,” the weather service added.
Why Fire Danger Is Elevated
The alert points to a familiar late-autumn pattern across the southern Appalachians, where low humidity levels—ranging from the upper 20s to mid-30s percent—combine with persistent winds to create ideal wildfire conditions.
Southwesterly winds between 15 and 25 mph can push flames uphill and across dry terrain, making suppression efforts more difficult.
Officials recommend that residents:
- Delay all outdoor burning until conditions improve.
- Secure trailer chains or equipment that may spark on pavement.
- Properly dispose of cigarettes and avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.
- Report any signs of smoke or fire to authorities immediately.
Stay Informed and Prepared
The special weather statement will remain in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday, but officials say similar conditions could persist into midweek if winds and low humidity continue.
Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies.
Stay tuned to HonkNews.com for continued weather coverage and safety updates across Western North Carolina as conditions evolve.