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Highlands Today

Hazardous weather alert

Cold weather, fire threat

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Joe Seelig

Published: December 21, 2009

SEBRING - A hazardous weather advisory has been issued for Highlands and Hardee counties as of 4:53 a.m. today.

According to the National Weather Service in Ruskin, a cold and very dry air-mass has filtered into the region and will produce critically low afternoon humidity levels for long durations this afternoon, increasing the fire weather danger.

A red flag warning will remain in effect until 5 p.m. today as the humidity level drops to between 35 and 30 percent.

A red flag warning is issued when conditions are favorable for the spread of wildfire to occur within 24 hours.

The very cold air-mass over the region will bring the possibility of freezing temperatures and patchy frost to the Nature Coast tonight with low wind chill readings for the rest of the area.

Residents venturing out overnight should dress warmly. Several layers of clothing will insulate much better than a single coat or jacket.

Damage may be likely to cold-sensitive plants tonight and small pets left outdoors are also at risk.

Cover Plants and bring pets indoors later today.

Highlands Today reporter Joe Seelig can be reached at (863) 386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com .

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