Expires:202403290100;Remove:202403290100;764051 WWUS81 KLWX 281414 SPSLWX Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC 1014 AM EDT Thu Mar 28 2024 VAZ025>031-503-504-WVZ050>053-055-501>506-290100- Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke- Western Highland-Eastern Highland-Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley- Jefferson-Hardy-Western Grant-Eastern Grant-Western Mineral- Eastern Mineral-Western Pendleton-Eastern Pendleton- Including the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft, Harrisonburg, Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson, New Market, Winchester, Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Front Royal, Berryville, Hightown, Monterey, Romney, Paw Paw, Martinsburg, Charles Town, Shepherdstown, Moorefield, Bayard, Mount Storm, Petersburg, Elk Garden, Antioch, Keyser, New Creek, Ridgeville, Russelldale, Headsville, Fort Ashby, Riverton, Brandywine, Franklin, Oak Flat, Ruddle, and Sugar Grove 1014 AM EDT Thu Mar 28 2024 ...ELEVATED FIRE DANGER UNTIL 9 PM THIS EVENING FOR PORTIONS OF VIRGINIA, AND EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA... Dry and windy conditions are expected to develop later this afternoon in the wake of a cold front. Relative humidity values may drop to as low as 20 to 25 percent in strong northwest winds of around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 25 to 30 mph, especially at higher elevations. This will result in the continued drying of fine fuels, especially the sub-10 hour fuels, which are currently the source of many fires in the outlined areas. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling open flames or equipment that creates sparks. Also, dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate containers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey local burn bans. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly. For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state's forestry or environmental protection website. $$ CJL