The red flag warning is in effect for the Lower Hudson Valley, New York on Tuesday

by Junna Base November 12, 2024

The National Weather Service issued a warning for possible wildfires in the Lower Hudson Valley on Tuesday, November 12, due to continued dry and windy conditions in the region throughout the day.

The red flag warning is in effect Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the Lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island.

What is an alert?

“A Red Flag Warning is issued to indicate the imminent threat of severe fire weather with a relatively high probability of occurrence,” the National Weather Service website says, noting that fire danger is typically “in the very high to extreme category ” lies.

National Weather Service meteorologist Bill Goodman says the risk of wildfires increases with windy conditions and low humidity.

“There is a combination of relative humidity and wind, as well as ‘dry fuels’ such as pine needles and dry grass, that can lead to the rapid growth and spread of a wildfire,” Goodman said.

There is a risk of more fires in the lower Hudson Valley

Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties remain under temporary burn bans due to multiple wildfires that have developed in the region since late October.

One of the region’s biggest concerns remains the Jennings Creek Fire in Greenwood Lake, Orange County, which is located just near the Bergen and Rockland County borders. As of Tuesday morning, the fire had grown to more than 3,500 acres and was threatening 10 buildings in Orange County and New Jersey.

The Jennings Creek fire, which has been burning since Saturday, claimed the life of an 18-year-old park assistant in Rockland.

Light rain on Sunday ensured volunteers rested as they battled the massive fire in challenging terrain. However, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the fire was only 25% contained as of Tuesday morning.

Wind speeds of 15 to 25 mph are expected throughout the day, with some gusts possibly reaching 35 mph. Humidity is expected to be low, around 29% or less.

As of 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has rated air quality levels in Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties as “good.”

National Weather Service meteorologist Nelson Vaz said air quality is measured by the amount of particulate matter, or ozone, in the air. Air quality decreases when clouds of smoke and particulate matter get close to a certain area.

“Although there will be higher concentrations of particulate matter in smaller areas depending on how close you are to a wildfire, the NYSDEC and NIFC measure air quality by region,” Vaz said, meaning that the NIFC includes the entire Lower Hudson Valley area taking air quality into account.

The National Interagency Fire Center, which monitors air quality in all regions of the United States, said the air quality index was 17 in Rockland County, the area closest to the fire. At values of 50 and above, the air quality becomes more dangerous. according to NIFC.

Vaz says the NYSDEC will issue an alert in the region if the air quality index exceeds 100. The NYSDEC predicts the air quality index in the region will reach near 30 or 40 by Tuesday evening.

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

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