Today is forecast to be Much Cooler than yesterday.
Nowcast as of 4:45 am EDT on October 8, 2008
Now
Through 7 am EDT...scattered to numerous showers...will continue to move northeast at 35 mph across the northern Cumberland Plateau and portions of central east TN. Rainfall amounts will generally be a tenth of an inch or less per hour.
Showers in the morning...then showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s to lower 70s. South winds 10 mph or less. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
There are currently no warnings or advisories for this location.
Public Information Statement
Statement as of 4:00 am EDT on October 8, 2008
... Fire weather/fire prevention awareness week continues today with a look at drought and its effects on wildfires...
Climatic conditions... such as long term drought... play a major role in the number and intensity of wildfires. This year... east Tennessee... southwest Virginia... and extreme southwest North Carolina have experienced prolonged dry conditions. The lack of rainfall... in conjunction with very warm temperatures... has allowed the Forest fuels such as dead leaves... trees and branches to become unusually dry.
The dry Forest fuels are very susceptible to the potential for fire... especially when daytime relative humidities are low and wind speeds are high. During the drought of 2007... over 3,000 wildfires were reported in Tennessee... burning over 44,000 acres.
It is important to be alert to the increased threat of wildfires during drought conditions... especially those whose home is in a forested area or those who plan on visiting area forests. The following are some safety tips to help protect life and property from wildfires:
1. Check with local fire authorities or public land management officials to obtain current fire restriction information.
2. Clear campfire sites down to bare soil... Circle the fire pit with rocks... and build the campfire away from overhanging branches... dry grass... Pine Needles... logs and steep slopes.
3. Never leave a campfire unattended. When putting out a campfire... drown the fire... stir the ashes... and drown again. Keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby.
4. Homes near Forest areas should have trees and shrubs thinned at least 30 feet from buildings. Remove lower tree branches... especially those that may overhang the roof.
5. Rake and clear surface fuels... such as leaves... limbs and Pine Needles... away from homes in wooded areas. For detailed information on protecting your home from wildfires visit the firewise website at www.Firewise.Org or www.Burnsafetn.Org .
The topic for Thursday will be... red flag warning - extreme fire weather conditions.
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For additional fire weather information... please go to the following website: www.Srh.NOAA.Gov/mrx/firewx.Php .