Wildfire Alert

San Antonio faces 'potentially historic' extreme wildfire risk Tuesday

A fire from 2023 in Austin. Getty Images

Update: As of 9 pm on March 4, San Antonio and Austin are no longer under a warning from the National Weather Service. Evacuation orders have lifted. Some haze may remain from West Texas dust and smoke from nearby fires.

Update, March 4, 3:15 pm: Limited evacuations are now underway for around 30 houses in far southeast San Antonio. More information via KENS5.

Meteorologists are reporting extreme wildfire risk in parts of Texas for Tuesday, March 4. The National Weather Service (NWS) calls the coming conditions "dangerous [and] potentially historic." At the time of this article's publication, the warning is in effect from 8 am through 9 pm.

A combination of wind and dry conditions are creating concern about fires starting and spreading quickly. In Austin and San Antonio, NWS warns of gusts up to 55 miles per hour, and relative humidity of 5-15 percent.

It urges residents to avoid outdoor burning, keep vehicles off of dry grass, and properly dispose of cigarettes. It shares that most wildfires are caused by people.

The Texas A&M Forest Service shares additional tips for wildfire safety, namely clearing debris like dead leaves and pine needles from the roof and places near exterior walls.

"When a wildfire is headed your way, it’s time to start preparing to leave," the website says. "Alert your family and friends. Stay tuned to news reports. Grab your emergency kit, and be ready to head out at a moment’s notice. Make sure you know where you're going and what you're taking with you. The American Red Cross can provide shelter and basic necessities during a disaster and can help you get back on your feet after it's over."

KUT has also prepared a helpful article with instructions, including to clear flammable furniture off patios and to have an evacuation plan and a packed bag with "72 hours' worth of essentials, such as clothes, medications and valuables."

For monitoring, locals should periodically check the NWS' forecasts and local news services such as KXAN and KENS5. Up-to-date and simplified information can be found via the Bexar County Fire Marshal/Office of Emergency Management on Facebook.

Residents can also sign up for alerts from Bexar County's Regional Emergency Alert Network (REAN) here.

weather safety

Honkin' mad

Texas drivers steer onto new list of worst motorists in U.S.

It may be tempting to lose your temper behind the wheel, but it's not really worth it. Photo by Joshua Wordel on Unsplash

While Texas is one of the best states to drive in, apparently Texans need to pay more attention to their speeding habits and check their tempers. The Lone Star State has landed on top of a new list of states with the worst drivers in 2025.

The unlucky ranking comes in a new report by personal injury law firm Easton Law Offices, which analyzed driver data – including road rage incidents, speeding, fatal crashes, and more – to determine the top 10 states with the worst drivers.

Overall, Florida was ranked the No. 1 state with the worst drivers in the nation, and Texas followed close behind in second place.

According to the report's findings, Texas had 2.5 road rage incidents and 7.2 aggressive driving fatal accidents reported for every 100,000 residents from 2014 to 2023. Aggressive and careless driving behavior was cited in 37.4 percent of all accidents, and it was a factor in 38.8 percent of all fatalities.

Additionally, 1.2 speeding violations were reported in the state for every 100,000 residents.

Texas has previously been ranked the second most dangerous state for young drivers, in 2023.

But it's not just typical vehicle drivers that need to exercise more patience when getting behind the wheel – motorcyclists also need to be on high alert while on the road, and remember to wear their helmets.

"Texas also has a high rate of total vehicle crashes (3,966) and motorcycle fatalities (558), with a sizable 37.32 percent of motorcycle deaths occurring among unhelmeted drivers," the report said.

San Antonio drivers specifically have been called out in previous years for their less-than-stellar driving habits, and the city was named one of the 10 most dangerous places for pedestrians nationwide in 2024.

The top 10 states with the worst drivers in 2025 are: