* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected.

* WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast North Dakota.

* WHEN...Until 9 PM CDT /8 PM MDT/ Friday.

* IMPACTS...Objects left unsecured outside will be blown around.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. close

...RED FLAG WARNING FOR ALL OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL NORTH DAKOTA, INCLUDING THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY TODAY THROUGH FRIDAY...

.Critical fire weather conditions are expected today through Friday over western and central North Dakota, including the James River Valley. Westerly winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 65 mph are expected over northwest North Dakota, with westerly winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 55 mph over remaining areas. Relative humidity values will drop as low as 15 percent. Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

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

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent.

* AFFECTED AREA...Western and Central North Dakota, including the James River Valley.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and become difficult to control or suppress.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. close