Wildfires fueled by dry conditions and gusting winds burned in a few Southern states Thursday, forcing evacuations in Texas and prompting Florida officials to close part of a major highway with spring break in high gear.

Powerful winds and wildfire warnings persist in several states, with some areas still fighting existing flames.

Cold, dry weather and strong winds have fueled wildfires across the South, with Texas facing fire risks from the northern Panhandle to the eastern coast.