Moderate

* WHAT...Dangerous swimming conditions are expected due to high<br /> waves and strong rip currents. * WHERE...Beaches along Lake Michigan in Door, Kewaunee and<br /> Manitowoc Counties. * WHEN...From Thursday morning through Thursday evening. * IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming conditions are expected. Strong<br /> currents can pull swimmers into deeper water and high waves<br /> can sweep people off piers. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Several beaches that will be most<br /> susceptible to the dangerous swimming conditions include...<br />

Dry conditions and breezy winds will lead to near critical fire<br /> weather conditions today. Southerly winds of 10 to 20 mph with<br /> gusts of 20 to 25 mph are forecast for today. Minimum relative<br /> humidity values of 20 to 30 percent are also expected. Together,<br /> these conditions could lead to the rapid spread of fires. Check<br /> burning restrictions and fire danger before burning. For more information on burning restrictions for Minnesota, see<br /> www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.

At 905 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over<br /> Micco, or over Barefoot Bay, moving south at 25 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around<br /> unsecured objects. Locations impacted include...<br /> Sebastian, Fellsmere, Indian River Shores, Roseland, and Barefoot<br /> Bay.<br /> If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

At 846 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over<br /> Grant-Valkaria, or over Malabar, moving south at 25 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around<br /> unsecured objects. Locations impacted include...<br /> Palm Bay, Sebastian, Malabar, Roseland, and Barefoot Bay.<br /> If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

* WHAT...High risk of rip currents expected. * WHERE...Eastern Currituck County. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions. Breaking<br /> waves of 4 ft or greater can cause neck and back injuries.<br /> Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

At 755 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over<br /> Patrick Air Force Base, moving southeast at 25 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around<br /> unsecured objects. Locations impacted include...<br /> Melbourne, Rockledge, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, and Cape<br /> Canaveral.<br /> If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. * WHERE...South Carolina Beaches, and Georgia Beaches. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away<br /> from shore into deeper water.<br /> Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and<br /> float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a<br /> direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the<br /> shore and call or wave for help.

Dry conditions with relative humidity values between 22 and 30<br /> percent are expected this afternoon and evening for portions of<br /> northeast Minnesota including the Iron Range, Arrowhead and areas<br /> north towards the International Border. South winds of 10 to 15<br /> mph and gusts of 20-25 mph are forecast. Together, these<br /> conditions may cause fires to spread quickly. For more information on burning restrictions for Minnesota, see<br /> www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html.

At 315 AM MDT/415 AM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong<br /> thunderstorm 4 miles south of Tuthill, or 12 miles southeast of<br /> Martin, moving northeast at 30 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around<br /> unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is<br /> possible. Locations impacted include...<br /> Tuthill, Vetal, Harrington, and eastern Lacreek Wildlife Refuge.<br /> If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

The combination of drying fuels and very low relative humidity<br /> values will result in elevated fire danger conditions across<br /> northern lower Michigan today. Light west winds will only<br /> occasionally gust to near 20 mph this afternoon. But relative<br /> humidity values will drop to 15 to 25 percent in much of northern<br /> Michigan. These conditions support the quick start and spread of<br /> wildfires, so be sure to take the proper precautions to prevent<br /> fires from starting. Elevated fire danger is expected to return on Thursday.