A combination of dry fuels, low relative humidity and windy conditions this afternoon will create an elevated risk of wildfire spread across much of Central Pennsylvania. Minimum relative humidity values will range from 20 to 30 percent accompanied by wind gusts between 20 and 30 mph from the south- southwest. Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes, or matches. If dry grasses and tree litter begin to burn, the fire will have the potential to spread rapidly. For more information about wildfire danger and wildfire prevention and education, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website at http://dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Wildfire.

* WHAT. South winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt through late tonight, becoming west Wednesday morning. * WHERE. Tidal Potomac River from Key Bridge to Smith Point VA, and Chesapeake Bay and adjoining estuaries north of Smith Point VA. * WHEN. Until 2 PM EDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Gusts to near 30 knots are possible over the main channel of the Chesapeake Bay between Sandy Point and Drum Point MD this evening. Waves of 2 to 4 feet are expected tonight for the main channel of the Chesapeake Bay between Pooles Island MD and Smith Point VA, and near the mouth of some of the larger tidal tributaries.

* WHAT. Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level expected in low lying areas due to tidal flooding. * WHERE. Shoreline in Anne Arundel County. * WHEN. From 2 AM to 11 AM EDT Wednesday, especially around the time of high tide. * IMPACTS. At 3.0 feet, Compromise Street begins to flood in Annapolis. Flooding of much of the City Dock parking lot is occurring. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Tides one to one and a half feet above normal. The next high tides at Annapolis U.S. Naval Academy are at 5:49 PM and 6:27 AM.

Elevated fire conditions are expected due to dry conditions and gusty winds. Relative humidity values around 15 to 30 percent are expected along with sustained southerly winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts 20 to 25 mph. This will result in the rapid drying of fine fuels. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling open flames or equipment that creates sparks. Also, dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate containers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey local burn bans. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly. For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state's forestry or environmental protection website.