ROCHELLE – Fire departments across Illinois have issued burn bans as dry conditions, combined with high winds, raise the risk of wildfires this weekend ahead of potential severe weather. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Ogle, Lee, and DeKalb counties from 1 PM to 9 PM today. South winds with gusts up to 50 mph, combined with low humidity, are expected to create dangerous fire conditions. A Wind Advisory is also in effect for the region, with gusts possibly reaching 60 mph Saturday morning.
Matt Friedlein with the National Weather Service said that severe weather is on the way.
“The whole length of the state’s going to see a thunderstorm threat, which includes a severe weather threat, the first pronounced one of the season.”
These conditions could cause power outages, blow down trees and power lines, and make travel hazardous, especially for high-profile vehicles.
