Warning Description: High Wind Warning, Wind Advisory

Warning Date: 2:11 PM MST on May 21, 2008

WarningSum:...High Wind Warning In Effect Until 9 Pm Mst This Evening...

Warning Message:...Wind Advisory in effect from 10 am to 9 PM MST Thursday...
The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a High Wind
Warning...which is in effect until 9 PM MST this evening. A Wind
Advisory has also been issued. This Wind Advisory is in effect
from 10 am to 9 PM MST Thursday. 
An unseasonably strong low pressure system over the Great Basin
will continue to move into Arizona this afternoon...resulting in
very windy conditions across Cochise County. This system will bring
sustained southwest winds between 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 60
mph into the evening hours. Therefore...a High Wind Warning has
been issued through 9 PM MST this evening. 
These winds will also produce localized dust storms...which will 
briefly reduce visibilities to below a quarter mile. Locations
especially vulnerable to blowing dust are along Interstate 10 and
state highways 186 and 191 in Cochise County near the Willcox
Playa.
This low pressure system will remain centered to our north
Thursday resulting in a continuation of strong gusty winds across
Southeast Arizona. Sustained southwest winds of 30 to 40 mph are
expected across the area with gusts as high as 50 mph.
Therefore...a Wind Advisory has been issued Thursday from 10 am
MST to 9 PM MST for Cochise County. 
Winds this strong can make driving difficult...especially for
high profile vehicles.
A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected
or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of
58 mph or more can lead to property damage. Take action to secure
trash cans...lawn furniture...and other loose or lightweight
outdoor objects. High winds can topple trees...blow weakened roofs
off houses...and down power lines.
Warning Description: Fire Weather Warning, Fire Weather Watch

Warning Date: 2:04 PM MST on May 21, 2008

WarningSum:...Red Flag Warning Remains In Effect Until 9 Pm Mst This
Evening...

Warning Message:...Fire Weather Watch remains in effect from Thursday morning
through Thursday evening...
A red flag warning remains in effect until 9 PM MST this evening.
A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect from Thursday morning
through Thursday evening. 
An unseasonably strong low pressure system for may will continue
to push through the Great Basin this afternoon and tonight.
Southwest 20-foot sustained wind speeds ranging from 25 to 35 mph
with gusts between 45 to 55 mph will continue into this evening.
The combination of these winds...a dry airmass in place over the
state and the very high to extreme fire danger rating will result
in widespread red flag conditions for the remainder of this
afternoon until this evening. Therefore...a red flag warning
remains in effect until 9 PM MST this evening for fire weather
zone 148...including Cochise...Santa Cruz...eastern Pima... as
well as Graham and Greenlee counties south of the Gila River.
This low pressure system will reside across the Desert Southwest
the next couple of days...resulting in strong and gusty winds
Thursday and Friday as well...especially areas east of Tucson.
While moisture associated with this low will filter into most of
Arizona by Thursday...Santa Cruz and Cochise counties may not
moisten up enough to raise their minimum relative humidity values
Thursday afternoon above 15 percent. Given that strong and gusty
winds are expected Thursday...a Fire Weather Watch remains in
effect for Santa Cruz and Cochise counties within fire weather
zone 148 Thursday morning into Thursday evening.
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 will
create the potential for rapid and erratic fire growth.
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
red flag warnings.
Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the
field of the red flag warning and the Fire Weather Watch for
portions of Southeast Arizona.