South-Central Texas could see thunderstorms on Saturday, with the greatest severe potential in the afternoon and evening. Here’s what it means for your Valentine’s Day plans.

The National Weather Service updated its forecast on Thursday to note the level 1 of 5 risk of strong thunderstorms on Valentine’s Day afternoon and evening.

The area at risk, in particular the coastal plains, I-35 corridor, and Hill Country, could see damaging wind, large hail, and lightening.

The NWS urges residents to stay weather aware if they have outdoor plans that day. It’s a good practice to have multiple ways of receiving weather warnings.

Western Val Verde County is also at a level 1 of 5 risk of non-severe thunderstorms on the evening of Friday, Feb. 13. The storms are forecast after 6 p.m. over the southern Edwards Plateau and western Hill Country. The area could see large hail and lightning.

After this potential thunderstorm activity, rain chances for the rest of the week are almost nonexistent. Temperatures are expected to stay warmer than average for mid-February.

Anyone interested in learning more about how to spot and report severe weather events can attend the Severe Weather and Flood Training on Feb. 21.

The class will show attendees how to assist forecasters with weather reports during critical weather events. Space is limited and registration is required.

Severe Weather and Flood Training

Sat. Feb. 21; 8:30 a.m.-noon

Trinity University, Fiesta Room – Coates Student Center

One Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 78212

Free Parking at the Alamo Stadium

Find a list of other severe weather and flood training sessions in the region here or contact Jason Runyen at jason.runyen@noaa.gov for more information.

AUSTIN, Texas — According to a letter from Jim Davis, president of the University of Texas at Austin, there will be a number of consolidations in the ethnic and gender studies departments at the school’s College of Liberal Arts.

This follows months of pressure from conservatives to eliminate gender and culture-related programs at the university, and after a decision from Texas A&M University earlier this year to eliminate its Women and Gender Studies department under similar pressure.

The following three departments will become the Department of European and Eurasian Studies:

• Department of French and Italian
• Department of Germanic Studies
• Department of Slavic and Eurasian Studies

And four others will become the Department of Social and Cultural Analysis. They include:

• Department of African and African Diaspora Studies
• Department of American Studies
• Department of Mexican American and Latina/Latino Studies
• Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

In the letter, Davis said that these consolidations result from a review of several factors, including “size, scope, academic mission, student demand, student-to-faculty ratio, resource allocation, and other dimensions.”

The consolidation was first announced in an earlier meeting via phone call, according to the Austin American-Statesman. They indicated that neither the Asian Studies department nor the Middle Eastern Studies department were represented on the call, and there is no word on any potential change to either department.

Being recognized as an official department is important for funding, tenure and decision-making within the university’s structure. There is no word on layoffs in the current departments, and none were announced in either the call or the letter.

“There can be no reason for this decision other than an authoritarian takeover of Texas’ flagship university,” Lauren Gutterman, associate professor of American Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, told the Statesman. “If this was about too much fragmentation or small majors, then why are departments like Religious Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, and Classics unaffected?”

Davis said in the letter that there will also be a review of the curricula in these departments to determine the path forward in the new fields of study. 

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – A campground in Texas has been declared the best in the U.S., according to a nationwide ranking by Campspot.

The campground, located in the Texas Hill Country, claimed the top spot for its “perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.”

Texas’ best campground

Camp Fimfo in New Braunfels was named the top overall campground in the U.S. in Campspot’s 2026 Campspot Awards, in which they ranked thousands of eligible campgrounds. 

Fimfo ranked so highly due to everything that sets it apart from the crow, including a resort-style pool scene with a swim-up bar, and waterslides, along with high-energy programming that “turns a standard camping weekend into a real vacation.”

Best place for glamping in Texas

Along with Fimfo, Tropic Island Resort was named the best campground for glamping in Texas, ranking number three in the nation. 

The Port Aransas campground is located near the beach, restaurants, docks, piers, parks, birding and shopping. It also has a wide variety of accommodations, such as hotel rooms, cottages, and luxury RV sites, Campspot says. 

Best campground for RVs in Texas

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Fredericksburg was ranked the fourth-best campground for RVs in the nation, making it the highest-rated such campground in Texas. 

Located just outside Fredricksburg, the park offers cozy cottages alongside RV sites, as well as organized activities such as wagon rides, poolside movies, and themed weekends. 

Best camping in North Texas

Ranking 10th overall and fifth for RVs in the nation, the Vineyards Campground & Cabins in Grapevine is the highest-rated place to camp in North Texas.

Campspot says the Vineyards is a nationally recognized campground due to its serene ambiance, scenic landscapes, lakeside panoramas, and attentive staff.

What they’re saying:

“Campgrounds are more than places to stay. They’re places where memories get made, traditions start, and community shows up,” said Jeff Bettin, General Manager of Marketplace at Campspot. “The Campspot Awards are our way of recognizing parks that consistently deliver standout guest experiences, backed by data, and celebrating the people who make those experiences happen.”