Winds could create new challenges for fire crews

Posted: Thu, 8 Sep 2011 11:30 AM - 8,913 Readers

Winds are expected to be slightly quicker today than recent days, which could could create challenges for crews still battling fires around Central Texas.

North winds of 10 to 15 mph are expected later this morning as temperatures rise and atmospheric pressure gradients tighten, said Marriane Sutton, a forecaster with the National Weather Service.

Today’s high is expected to be in the low 90s, and there is no chance of rain, said Pat McDonald with the service.

Smoke from area fires could continue to linger in the air this morning because of overnight inversion, a condition in which the surface temperature is cooler than the atmosphere above it, trapping smoke particles.

Firefighting crews have made progress against fires in Steiner Ranch, Leander and Spicewood near Hamilton Pool Road. The largest Bastrop fire was 30 percent contained as of last night, but a new estimate said 1,386 homes may have been destroyed in the blaze.

Next week could see the return of triple-digit heat, as a high pressure system is forecast to move across the region by Tuesday, McDonald said.

Central Texas is no longer under a Red Flag advisory, which warns of a high fire threat. But officials are asking residents to take extra precautions in the dry conditions, such as not using open flames outdoors and taking other steps to avoid sparks.

Related story: If it’s smoky out, stay in, experts say

* Story Contributed by: Claudia Grisales

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