Austin faces extreme wildfire risk on Tuesday

A fire from 2023 in Austin. Getty Images

Update: As of 9 pm on March 4, Austin and San Antonio are no longer under a warning from the National Weather Service. Some haze may remain from West Texas dust and smoke from nearby fires like the Onion Creek Fire, which firefighters expect to work on into Wednesday.

Meteorologists are reporting extreme wildfire risk for parts of Texas on 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. Even more specific and up-to-date information can be found for Austin on the Austin Fire Department Wildfire Division's Wildfire Hub.

Residents can also sign up for alerts from Warn Central Texas here. The system covers Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis, and Williamson counties.

weather safety

Les Amis brings users together for events and mentorship. Photo by Katy Anne on Unsplash

Women looking for other women to befriend have had to get creative with existing social media that isn't built for it. But an app from Barcelona will start making connections for Austinites on April 24. Called Les Amis, the app is making its U.S. debut in Austin.

Les Amis helps women connect over specific interests, first in their profiles and then in the events they meet up at. This could avoid some of the common pitfalls of trying to make friends: making flimsy connections out of convenience, never committing to plans, or falling out of touch on broader social media.

Profiles allow users to express interests, career aspirations, and things they can teach to other women, adding an element of possible mentorship. An algorithm connects users with each other, and as in any matchmaking app, users can talk from there and make plans.

Once they're ready to commit, users can book an experience through the app, which are largely centered around learning something new. Possible activities include pottery, painting, an afternoon tea service, yoga, local tours, and more. If they meet other people they'd like to connect with at the event, they can add each other as contacts in the app and use it to stay in touch.

All that organization does come at a cost: an Austin-based membership costs $50 a month (or $135 dollars for three months). Each month, members receive 16 credits, which Le Amis' FAQ says are "sufficient to book one event." Depending on the event, members can sometimes bring along a plus-one who doesn't have a membership.

According to a press release, founder Anna Bilych spent time as a young professional hopping between cities and countries as part of working with PayPal. She's experienced the frustration of having to start over and make friends again and again, finally landing on this idea for organizing events.

The app is now active in eight cities including Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Milan, and Stockholm. Although Austin is the first U.S. city on the list, Les Amis plans to launch in five other American cities by the end of 2025. Members get to use the app anywhere it's active.

Users must apply and be accepted to use the app. The application form collects information like name, social media and professional profiles, and birthday. Founding members will not pay a registration fee.

apps networking friendship

Wildfire Alert

Austin faces 'potentially historic' extreme wildfire risk on Tuesday

Wildfire Alert

Austin faces 'potentially historic' extreme wildfire risk on Tuesday

Gather the Girls

Friend-making app for women makes U.S. debut in Austin

Gather the Girls

Friend-making app for women makes U.S. debut in Austin