Long Island under red-flag warning

Dry ground growth, low humidity and high winds mean conditions are ripe for the spread of brush fires, the National Weather Service said.

The Upton-based service on Wednesday issued a red-flag warning for Long Island and parts of New York and Connecticut, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., stating the three factors translate to "significantly elevated fire growth potential."

The red flag means any fires that start likely will spread rapidly, said the service, which also advised against outdoor burning during the warning period.

A dry winter followed by a dry early spring has helped create dry branches and ground growth. In addition, low humidity -- expected to be as low as 15 percent to 20 percent on Wednesday afternoon -- also lends itself to the ideal conditions for brush fires, according to the service.

Should a fire start, rapid movement would be because northwest winds between 15 mph and 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, are also in the forecast.

The warning, issued at about 7:30 a.m., includes, Nassau and Suffolk counties, most of New York City, parts of Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties, and portions of southern Connecticut, the service said.