Morristown, TN – A Red Flag Warning remains in effect across the East Tennessee mountains and foothills until 8 p.m. Tuesday due to strong winds and dangerously low humidity levels, increasing the risk of wildfires.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, gusty southerly winds are expected to intensify throughout the day, with speeds exceeding 30 mph by mid-morning. By late afternoon and evening, wind gusts could reach 60 mph in some areas, with isolated peaks of 80 mph or more possible around midnight. The combination of these winds and humidity levels dropping as low as 15 to 25 percent creates a heightened fire danger.
Residents in Johnson, Cocke Smoky Mountains, Southeast Greene, Unicoi, Southeast Carter, Blount Smoky Mountains, Sevier Smoky Mountains, and Southeast Monroe counties are advised to avoid outdoor burning, as any fires that ignite could spread rapidly…