Severe Austin-Area Weather Could Spawn Tornadoes

AUSTIN, TX — Meteorologists have issued forecasts calling for a significant risk of severe weather for the Austin area this weekend that could spawn tornadoes.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Prediction Center issued the outlooks for Friday and Saturday, saying severe thunderstorms, powerful wind gusts and possible large hail could be part of the mix. The storm system also is ripe for fueling tornadoes in a wide area encompassing Austin as well as Oklahoma and the lower Mississippi Valley.

By Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a "severe thunderstorm watch" for the vast portion of the region, in effect until 10 p.m. In addition to Travis and Williamson counties, the watch covers some 30 other counties from Atascosa to Wilson.

"Strong to severe storms will be possible this afternoon and tonight for areas generally along and east of a Rocksprings to Carrizo Springs line," meteorologists wrote in alerting to the severe thunderstorm watch. "The most favored areas for severe storms will be east of a Llano to San Antonio to Pearsall line. The main threat will be damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail up to
two inches, however, isolated tornadoes are also possible."

To further emphasize the threat, the weather agency color-coded its severe weather outlook to convey the degree of potency of the storms being tracked. Using such coloration, weather officials in a blog this week made liberal use of yellow to signify scattered severe storms and orange to denote that numerous such storms are possible. The bold colors help dramatically illustrate the point that this is only the second time in 11 years Austin that has been at "significant risk" for tornado activity, as meteorologists have said.

For real-time updates on the weather this weekend, subscribe to the Austin Patch.

American Red Cross Tips On Preparing For A Tornado

As explained on its website, NOAA defines significant severe thunderstorms as those marked by hail at least 2 inches in diameter and wind gusts of at least 75 mph.

The National Weather Service largely concurs with the assessment, predicting the possibility of potentially strong-to-severe storms from Friday afternoon and into the evening. Forecasters issued a graphic to further illustrate their prediction:

Graphic via National Weather Service.

In light of the threatening weather, Austin ISD joined a growing list of school districts canceling after-school activities as an added precaution. "Due to inclement weather expected in the Austin area, all district-wide after-school activities are canceled," district officials wrote. "This includes athletics, after-school care and any other events."

Round Rock ISD also canceled after-school activities in an abundance of caution. "The expectation of severe weather in the Austin and surrounding areas has led to the district-wide cancellation of all after-school activities, including athletics, fine arts, after-school care, and any other events," Round Rock ISD officials wrote in their advisory.

Other area school districts canceling after-school activities include those in Georgetown, Leander and Pflugerville.

In anticipation of potential power failures amid storms, Austin Energy customers are encouraged to register for the utility's "Outage Alerts" feature on their cell phones. "The main threat will be damaging thunderstorm winds, but an isolated tornado and large hail is also possible." To register, customers should text REGISTER to 287846.

National Weather Service meteorologists broke down the forecast for the coming days. After a ferocious Friday, forecasters indicate, sunny skies will return to the region by Saturday and linger until Sunday. Here's how they see it:

• Friday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. High near 75 degrees. South wind is expected to be between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.
• Friday night: Showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 43. South southeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.
• Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 56. North-northwest wind around 10 mph.
• Saturday night: Clear, with a low around 36. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. South southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
• Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

A site called Missouri Storm Aware offers tips on preparing for a tornado:

Parents should make sure their children know:

• What a tornado is.
• What tornado watches and warnings are.
• What county or parish they live in (warnings are issued by county or parish).
• How to take shelter, whether at home or at school.

More tornado facts

• Create a plan for where you and your family will go in the event of a tornado — at home, at work and at relatives’ or friends’ homes that you visit frequently. Always be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Pick a safe room in your home where household members and pets may gather during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.
• Check with your work and your children’s school and day care center regarding tornado emergency plans. Every building has different safe places. It is important to know where they are and how to get there in an emergency.
• Make sure everyone understands how tornado siren warning systems work and if a warning system is installed in your area.
• Mark clearly where your first-aid kit and fire extinguishers are located. Make sure the first-aid kit is properly stocked with medical supplies.
• Teach your family how to administer basic first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
• Mark clearly where the utility switches or valves are located so they can be turned off — if time permits — in an emergency.
• Learn the emergency dismissal policy for your child’s school.

Emergency kit

Keep the following items in a container that can be easily carried:

• Water and canned or dried food: Families should set aside one gallon of water per person per day, to last three days, and a three-day supply of food per person. The food should be nonperishable items that don’t need to be cooked, such as tuna and crackers. Remember to include a manual can opener. If there’s an infant in the house, include formula and baby food.
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries for the radio and flashlight
• Prescription medications
• First-aid kit

Store the following documents in a fire- and water-proof safe:

• Birth certificates
• Ownership certificates (autos, boats, etc.)
• Social Security cards
• Insurance policies
• Will
• Household inventory: A list of household contents (include serial numbers, if applicable); photographs or videotape of contents of every room; photographs of items of high value, such as jewelry, paintings and collection items.