Strong winds and dry conditions are fueling wildfires and increasing threats across Texas.Climate researchers have said the ingredients are in place for a wildfire threat North Texas hasn't seen in at least 10 years.

Strong winds from a recent storm in the south sent a US Customs and Border Protection surveillance blimp flying nearly 600 miles across Texas.

Strong winds in the Texas Panhandle are being blamed for several car crashes and downed power lines. Gusts are blowing faster than 80 miles per hour in some places. The dust kicked up by the winds are expected to reach North Texas.

Strong winds are pushing smoke and ash from the Crabapple Fire near Fredricksburg east toward Austin, according to the National Weather Service.

As high winds blow through the South this weekend, thousands of acres of wildfires are raging in Texas. An outbreak of wildfires began in Texas on Friday as winds exceeded 30 miles per hour and dry land provided the ideal fuel.

A wildfire that ignited near Fredericksburg on Saturday, which could be seen as far as Austin, is still less than 50-percent contained. The Crabapple Fire has put most parts of Central and South Texas under a "Red Flag Warning" as strong gusts of wind move throughout the region,