A strong storm driving gusty winds and dry air across a parched landscape was fueling dangerous fire conditions across a wide swath of the country on Friday, from eastern New Mexico and Colorado to Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and even parts of the Midwest. Forecasters warned that more fire outbreaks appeared likely going into the weekend.

Some towns have been evacuated due to nearby fires, while multiple roads are closed around the region – some due to near zero visibility triggered by sprawling dust storms; others due to smoke and flames from fast-moving wildfires.

Philadelphia hospital patients were also warned about possible exposure to the highly contagious virus just days after a warning for Dulles airport travelers.