Tornado Watch For Austin Region Lifted [UPDATES]

AUSTIN, TX -- National Weather Service officials have lifted an earlier tornado watch, but caution of severe thunderstorms that are expected to form by Tuesday night.

The tornado watch that lasted through 1 p.m. indicated weather conditions were ripe for tornado formation. That's no longer the case for now.

But there's still a 100 percent chance of strong thunderstorms for tonight. Forecasters previously predicted some of these storms could be severe, possibly accompanied with hail and strong winds.

The amount of rainfall for the area is expected to be from two to four inches.

The earlier tornado watch covered Travis and Williamson among other area counties.

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From earlier:

AUSTIN, TX -- A tornado watch is in effect for most of the Central Texas region until 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Counties in the watch include Travis and Williamson counties.

Such a watch means that atmospheric conditions have created an increased risk for formation of tornadoes. If severe weather materializes as forecasters have predicted for today (see earlier story below) through Thursday, a tornado warning or severe thunderstorm warning would then be issued.

Other counties in the tornado watch include: Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lampasas, Lee, Llano and Milam.

By tonight, the chances for severe thunderstorms increase to 100 percent, according to the National Weather Service.

"Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall," NWS officials write.

The low temperature is expected to be around 62 degrees, with southeast winds of up to 10 mph.

By Wednesday and Thursday, precipitation chances fall to 60 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

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From March 6, 9:21 p.m.:

AUSTIN, TX -- It’s a phrase with which you’ve likely become unfamiliar: Keep your umbrellas handy.

After a string of clear and sunny days, a line of storms -- some possibly severe -- is headed to Central Texas. Weather forecasters predict the first wave to hit on Monday night. The heaviest rain and possible hail will likely occur west of Austin and throughout the Hill Country.

Of course, that’s what they said Feb. 23, when large hail and severe storms were predicted on that subsequent Monday too. That particular storm front ended up petering out by the time it reached the area, dropping anemic rainfall that was barely measurable in most of the area.

But this time, forecasters seem serious about it. No kidding around this time.

By Tuesday night, up to four inches are possible, according to the National Weather Service. Again, they’re predicting hail but this time accompanied by strong wind gusts.

These conditions are expected to last until Thursday, forecasters say.

In all seriousness, though, it’s best to be prepared, especially in light of predictions that some isolated tornadoes may develop east of Interstate 35 as well.

You can see for yourself the formation of said storms here. That blue, continually mushrooming imagery is called “composite reflectivity,” which essentially illustrates precipitation intensity.

As you can see (if you clicked there), it envelops the entire region.

The Weather Channel folks say we should expect an 80 percent chance of rain Monday through Thursday.

So, yes, do have umbrellas at the ready. And please keep an eye on the forecast for possible tornadoes.

Be careful out there.