SIDNEY, Neb. - Powerful winds and extremely dry conditions are creating dangerous fire weather across the Nebraska Panhandle, northeast Colorado and southeast Wyoming on Thursday, prompting Red Flag Warnings and High Wind Warnings from multiple National Weather Service offices.

Forecasters said northwest winds are expected to gust between 60 and 70 mph through the day, with isolated gusts near 80 mph possible. The combination of strong winds, low humidity and dry fuels is expected to lead to rapid wildfire spread and areas of blowing dust. Officials strongly discouraged outdoor burning and nonessential travel.

The National Weather Service office in Cheyenne issued a Red Flag Warning through 5 p.m. for portions of the southern Nebraska Panhandle and southeast Wyoming, including Lodgepole Creek and the Laramie foothills and high plains. Relative humidity values are expected to fall into the 20 to 25 percent range, with wind gusts reaching 40 to 60 mph.

A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect from Friday morning through Friday evening as even stronger winds and lower humidity are forecast.

In northeast Colorado, the National Weather Service in Denver issued a Red Flag Warning for Logan, Morgan, Washington, Sedgwick and Phillips counties through the afternoon. Winds there are expected to gust up to 65 mph, with humidity as low as 15 percent.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service office in North Platte reported a High Wind Warning remains in effect across much of western and central Nebraska through early evening. Gusts of up to 70 mph are possible, with the potential for downed power lines, tree damage and difficult travel for high-profile vehicles.