Windy Wednesday with a chance for storms

By News9 Meteorologist Carrie Rose.

Windy weather continues in Oklahoma Wednesday, with strong southerly winds 20 to 30 mph gusting even higher.  This is contributing to an elevated risk for wildfires in primarily the western half of the state. 

A Wind Advisory is in effect for much of western Oklahoma through 6 p.m. Wednesday, where gusts up to around 45 mph are possible.  A Red Flag Warning is in effect for far western and northwest Oklahoma from Noon until 6 p.m. Wednesday, where a dryline is expected to pass this afternoon and bring in warm, dry, and gusty weather that can lead to the rapid spread of any wildfires that do start.

The strong winds are a result of a low pressure storm system approaching the state Wednesday, with a cold front moving into northwest Oklahoma by late afternoon. 

To the east of the dryline covering approximately the eastern three-quarters of the state, strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible in the afternoon and evening.  The main threats will be large hail and damaging winds, but tornadoes can occur during this time of year with severe thunderstorms.

The storm system will move east of the state early Thursday, ushering in cooler but seasonable weather for the rest of the week.

This storm system will also bring blizzard conditions to the northern Plains Wednesday and Thursday, with snow totals up to more than a foot with winds gusting to around 60 mph.  Much of western North and South Dakota are expected to receive blizzard conditions.

The mountains of Utah and Colorado are also receiving another dose of snowfall Wednesday, which is aiding in the preparation for many ski resorts to open through the next month.

Stay with News9 and News9.com, we'll keep you advised.