Central Texas Braces For Potentially Severe Weather

AUSTIN, TX — Cloudy skies descending over Austin on Tuesday night are poised to usher in showers and storms in Austin by Wednesday afternoon, potneially accompanied by gusty winds and large hail as primary threats, according to meteorologists.

The chances for showers and storms are expected to become stronger after 3 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Anticipating severe weather across Central Texas, Gov. Greg Abbotton Tuesday placed numerous resources on standby — including directing the Texas Division of Emergency Management to roster Texas A&M Forest Service saw crews; Texas Parks and Wildlife water rescue boats; Texas A&M Engineering and Extension SErvice urban search rescue teams along with swift water rescue boat squads; and a Texas Department of State Health Services ambulance strike team.

The severe weather preparation comes as the Texas State Operations Center remains activated at Level II as part of its response to the growing coronavirus threat, the governor noted.

"As severe weather approaches, the Lone Star State is taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of Texans," Gov. Abbott said in a prepared statement. "I urge all Texans to heed the guidance of local officials and pay attention to weather alerts to keep themselves and their loved ones informed and safe."

The governor offered residents these safety tips:

• 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.

For additional safety tips related to thunderstorms and flooding, click here. The governor's ofice also provided links to additional resources and information related to severe weather, including:

• Floods
• Thunderstorms
• Tornadoes

Because Central Texas is prone to flooding, motorists are advised to visit atxfloods.com for a look at roadways closed to traffic due to high water. In the past, drivers thinking they can safely pass raging waters have died in the process after being carried away amid flooding.

Here's how the National Weather Service is calling it for the coming hours and days:

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 5 to 10 miles per hour..

Wednesday night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Increasing clouds, with a high near 80. West wind 5 to 10 miles per hour becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60 ercent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. North wind around 5 miles per hour becoming calm.

Friday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Friday night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. East southeast wind around 5 miles per hour becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming south southeast around 5 miles per hour in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Saturday night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. West wind around 5 miles per hour becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 5 miles per hour in the morning.

Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.