Severe Weather Conditions in Texas and Beyond
In Gillespie County, a grass fire — now called the Crabapple Fire — broke out at around 1 p.m., according to the Fredericksburg Fire and EMS. The fire has been rapidly spreading, and as of 6 p.m., it was estimated to have covered around 8,640 acres, with no containment in sight, according to a social media post from the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The Fredericksburg Fire and EMS has urged residents in the path of the fire to immediately evacuate, as the fire has moved across Highway 16 North and is heading towards FM1631. A shelter has been made available at the Faith Baptist Church for those affected by the fire. The weather service has also issued a Red Flag Warning for western portions of Central Texas until 9 p.m. due to low humidity and high wind, exacerbating the situation.
Wildfire Threats and Weather Conditions
Meanwhile, an elevated wildfire threat is expected to remain in Dallas and much of North Texas next week, according to the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office. On Saturday, winds in the Dallas area were mainly between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph possible, contributing to the spread of wildfires.
The elevated fire threats come after high winds stirred up dust storms and sparked wildfires in West and North Texas, as well as Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas. Two wildfires were reported in Wise County, with one near Springtown and the other in Decatur, according to the Wise County Office of Emergency Management.
Dust Storms and Tornadoes
The dusty and hazy conditions have also been reported in Dallas, creating low visibility and leaving downtown’s skyline somewhat hidden and the sun blocked out. Dust storms and high winds near Amarillo have created low visibility conditions, leading to traffic accidents and resulting in at least three fatalities. A traffic accident involving around 38 cars was also reported.
Violent tornadoes have ripped through parts of the U.S., wiping out schools and toppling semitractor-trailers in several states, part of a massive storm that has killed at least 26 people, with more severe weather expected late Saturday. The number of fatalities increased after the Kansas Highway Patrol reported eight people died in a highway pileup caused by a dust storm in Sherman County, involving at least 50 vehicles.
Extreme Weather Conditions and Evacuations
Missouri has recorded more fatalities than any other state, with scattered twisters overnight killing at least 12 people, authorities said. The deaths included a man who was killed after a tornado ripped apart his home, leaving it unrecognizable as a home, with the floor upside down and rescuers walking on walls.
The deaths come as a massive storm system moving across the country unleashed winds that triggered deadly dust storms and fanned more than 100 wildfires. Extreme weather conditions, including hurricane-force winds, are forecast to affect an area home to more than 100 million people, threatening blizzard conditions in colder northern areas and wildfire risk in warmer, drier areas to the south.
Evacuations have been ordered in some Oklahoma communities, with more than 130 fires reported across the state. More than 200 homes have been damaged or destroyed in Oklahoma due to fire, with some 266 square miles burned so far, according to Gov. Kevin Stitt.
Weather Forecast
Sunday is expected to be mostly calm, before the wildfire threat returns to an elevated or critical level Monday through Wednesday, according to the Weather Service. The area of wildfire danger will lie mostly west of the Interstate 35 corridor, with winds on Monday through Wednesday mainly between 10 mph to 20 mph, and some gusts up to 35 mph possible.
Temperatures will be cool this weekend, with highs in the low 70s, before jumping back up to the 80s on Monday and Tuesday, and then returning to highs in the mid-70s on Wednesday, before dropping to the high 60s on Thursday.
Latest Dallas Forecast
The latest forecast for Dallas includes a cooler and breezy Saturday, with a mix of clouds and sun, and thunderstorms possible in the morning. Sunday is expected to be mostly sunny and mild, with a low of 48 and a high of 71.
Monday is expected to be breezy and warm, with sunshine and a few clouds, while Tuesday will be sunny, cloudy, breezy, and warm. Wednesday will be partly cloudy, breezy, and cooler, with a low of 46 and a high of 74.
Thursday is expected to be cooler, with a mix of sunshine and clouds, and a low of 46 and a high of 68. Friday will be milder, with a few passing clouds, and a low of 53 and a high of 74.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the severe weather conditions in Texas and beyond have resulted in significant damage and loss of life. It is essential for residents to stay informed and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety. The weather forecast indicates a continued threat of wildfires and extreme weather conditions, and it is crucial to take necessary precautions to prevent further damage and loss of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of the Crabapple Fire in Gillespie County?
A: The Crabapple Fire has covered around 8,640 acres, with no containment in sight, and has moved across Highway 16 North, heading towards FM1631.
Q: What is the forecast for the wildfire threat in Dallas and North Texas?
A: The wildfire threat is expected to remain elevated or critical from Monday to Wednesday, with winds mainly between 10 mph to 20 mph, and some gusts up to 35 mph possible.
Q: What are the extreme weather conditions forecast for the affected areas?
A: Extreme weather conditions, including hurricane-force winds, are forecast to affect an area home to more than 100 million people, threatening blizzard conditions in colder northern areas and wildfire risk in warmer, drier areas to the south.
