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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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Several wildfires ignited across Texas on Friday afternoon as the Lone Star State battled a fierce combination of powerful winds and dry conditions.
Why It Matters
A potent line of storms is expected to bring severe weather from Minnesota south to Louisiana on Friday night. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has issued a state of emergency for all 67 counties, and National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists in others are warning residents that strong winds, large hail and possibly tornadoes are headed their way.
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The storm system is also whipping Texas with winds from 40 to 50 mph and gusts up to 80, spurring NWS meteorologists to issue several red flag warnings on Friday morning.
What To Know
A wildfire map from the Texas A&M Forest Service shows several active wildfires in Texas as of Friday afternoon.
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They are:
- The Windmill Fire: 8,000 acres, 0 percent contained, in Roberts County, northeast of Amarillo, Texas.
- The Rest Area Fire: 1,000 acres, 0 percent contained, in Gray County, directly east of Amarillo, Texas.
- The Cottonwood Creek Fire: 633 acres, 95 percent contained, in San Saba County in central Texas.
- The Saddle Fire: 40 acres, 0 percent contained, in Bandera County, northwest of San Antonio, Texas.
- The Conco Hill Fire: 100 acres, 0 percent contained, in Cass County, near the Texas-Arkansas border.
- The Hargill Reservoir Fire: 13 acres, 95 percent contained, in Hidalgo County in far south Texas.
- The Hopkins Fire: 1 acre, 0 percent contained, in Hopkins County, northeast of Dallas.
The map also shows several fires in east Texas that are now contained and no longer considered active.
Several roads have closed and people living near the Rest Area fire have been evacuated.
What People Are Saying
NWS lead meteorologist Steve Hannah told Newsweek: "The winds are not going to persist through the weekend. What we have going on right now is a fairly powerful weather system moving across our area.
This entire system is going to be moving off to our east and as it does, our winds are going to weaken."
Texas A&M Forest Service, in a post to X: "Extreme fire conditions and the potential for fast-moving wildfires are present across a large portion of the state today. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and properties."
Texas Department of Transportation in Amarillo posted to X: "FM 281 is closed between US 70 and US 83 due to limited visibility from the area wildfire. We will update as more information becomes available."
NWS office in Amarillo, in a red flag warning: "A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures will create favorable weather for rapid fire growth and spread. Avoid activities that promote open flames and sparks."
The warning said wind gusts could reach up to 80 mph.
What Happens Next
Red flag warnings will remain in place at least through Friday evening. Hannah said the winds are already starting to weaken.
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