Tornado Watch Issued For Central Texas

AUSTIN, TX — A tornado watch has been issued for much of the Central-South Texas region until 4 a.m. Sunday as potentially severe thunderstorms were expected to descend on Central Texas overnight, weather officials said on Saturday.

According to the National Weather Service, showers and thunderstorms are expected after 1 a.m. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall, weather officials said.

"A few light showers and perhaps an isolated thunderstorm are possible this evening, but strong to severe storms will develop late tonight ahead of a cold front," foreasters wrote. "These storms will impact the southern Edwards Plateau around and after midnight, moving to the Hill Country after 2 a.m. and reaching the I-35 corridor around or after 4 a.m., exiting our area after sunrise. These storms will be capable of producing large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes as well as minor flash flooding."

The low temperature is expected to be around 66 degrees, according to the forecast, with south-southeast wind between 5 miles per hour to 10 mph. Most residents will see rain across Central Texas, with the chance of precipitation at 80 percent, according to the forecast. New rainfall amounts from the expected downpour are predicted between three quarters of an inch to a full inch across much of the region.

Graphic via National Weather Service.

According to AccuWeather, tornado watches are issued for broad areas where conditions exist for the development of twisters while tornado warnings are issued for highly localized areas where a tornado is imminent or has been detected on radar. "Watches, commonly issued a few hours before a storm could hit, are meant to alert the public of a developing threat for tornadoes and indicate the need to remain vigilant," weather officials wrote. "Warnings, often issued minutes before a tornado hits, are urgent calls to seek shelter immediately."

For the second time this week, Gov. Greg Abbott on Saturday placed multiple resources on standby across the state in anticipation of severe weather this weekend. To that end, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has rostered Texas A&M Forest Service saw crews; Texas Parks and Wildlife water rescue boats, Texas A&M Engineering and Extension Service Urban Search and Rescue along with swift water rescue boat squads; and Texas Department of State Health Services ambulance strike teams.

The Texas State Operations Center remains activated at Level II in support of the ongoing response to the coronavirus threat, the governor noted in a news release.

"Texas is taking necessary precautions to keep our communities safe in the event of severe weather," Abbott said in a prepared statement. "Texans should pay attention to weather alerts and listen to the guidance of local officials to protect themselves and others."

The governor's office issued safety tips ahead of the storm:

• When severe storms threaten, the safest place to be is indoors.
• Avoid areas already flooded and avoid any fast-flowing water.
• Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas – never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection. Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown.
• Dangerous waters can seem deceptively calm, and if you encounter flooding, move to higher ground.
• Keep in mind that flood dangers are even harder to recognize at night.
• Stay informed by monitoring weather radios and news broadcasts for updated information on current and anticipated severe weather in your area.

According to the governor's office, among the state agencies involved in the response effort are the Texas Division of Emergency Management; Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Department of Transportation; Texas Military Department; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Texas Department of State Health Services; Texas A&M Forest Service; Texas A&M Engineering and Extension Service; Texas A&M Task Force One; and State Mass Care Team.

Abbott took the same measures in putting resources on standby this past Wednesday, but the powerful storms that had been predicted failed to substantively materialize in the region.

Previous coverage: Central Texas Braces For Potentially Severe Weather

For additional safety tips related to severe weather, read more: http://ready.gov/severe-weather. Additional resources and information:

• Floods
• Thunderstorms
• Tornadoes

As to the rest of the forecast, by Sunday the chance of showers and thunderstorms will have dropped to 30 percent before 10 a.m. It is expected bo be cloudy in the mid-morning hours before it gradually clears with a high near 81 degrees, forecasters said.

On Sunday, south winds will be between 10 miles per hour and 15 miles per hour before growing in force up to 20 miles per hour by the afternoon. However, wind gusts could potentially reach 30 miles per hour, meteorologists said. By Sunday night, it will be clear with a low of around 46 degrees, with west-southwest winds blowing between 5 to 15 miles per hour before becoming northern winds after midnight.

And by Monday, sunny skies return again with a high near 63. A gentle wind from the north will blow at speeds between 10 miles per hour and 15 miles per hour.

Given the region's susceptibility to flooding, motorists are urged to visit atxfloods.com to see a list of crossing closed due to high water. In the past, drivers thinking they can pass high water have died when being being swept away. The death toll from such preventable incidents has spawned a safety tip motto that is repeated mantra-like in seasons known for inclement weather: "Turn Around, Don't Drown."