Expected

Dry conditions with relative humidity values between 22 and 30 percent are expected this afternoon and evening for portions of northeast Minnesota including the Iron Range, Arrowhead and areas north towards the International Border. South winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts of 20-25 mph are forecast. Together, these conditions may cause fires to spread quickly. For more information on burning restrictions for Minnesota, see www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.

At 315 AM MDT/415 AM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4 miles south of Tuthill, or 12 miles southeast of Martin, moving northeast at 30 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include... Tuthill, Vetal, Harrington, and eastern Lacreek Wildlife Refuge. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

The combination of drying fuels and very low relative humidity values will result in elevated fire danger conditions across northern lower Michigan today. Light west winds will only occasionally gust to near 20 mph this afternoon. But relative humidity values will drop to 15 to 25 percent in much of northern Michigan. These conditions support the quick start and spread of wildfires, so be sure to take the proper precautions to prevent fires from starting. Elevated fire danger is expected to return on Thursday.

* WHAT...West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Kittitas Valley and Simcoe Highlands. * WHEN...From 1 PM this afternoon to midnight PDT tonight. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 5 to 7 feet expected in the surf zone. * WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and Okaloosa Coastal Counties. * WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, from 7 AM CDT this morning through Sunday morning. For the High Surf Advisory, from 11 PM this evening to 4 AM CDT Saturday.

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous rip currents and large breaking waves expected in the surf zone. * WHERE...Northern Outer Banks beaches. * WHEN...From 8 AM EDT this morning through this evening. * IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Dangerous shore break can throw a swimmer or surfer head first into the bottom causing neck and back injuries. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The most likely time for strong rip

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents. * WHERE...Ocracoke Island and Core Banks beaches. * WHEN...From Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The most likely time for strong rip currents to occur is a couple hours either side of low tide, which will occur around 4:00 PM Wednesday. Life-threatening rip currents. If caught in a rip current, remain calm. Swim in a direction following the shoreline. If tired,

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet in the surf zone. For the Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous rip currents and large breaking waves expected in the surf zone. * WHERE...The beaches north of Cape Hatteras. * WHEN...For the High Surf Advisory, until 5 PM EDT this afternoon. For the Beach Hazards Statement, from 8 AM EDT this morning through this evening. * IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best

Areas of dense fog will continue to impact the mountain valleys of North Carolina this morning. Visibility may decrease suddenly and over short distances. Motorists traveling in these areas this morning, including I-26 in the Asheville and Hendersonville areas, and I-40 through the Pigeon River gorge should use extra caution. The fog is expected to burn off shortly after sunrise. Slow down, increase following distance, and turn on your low-beam headlights.