Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued For Austin Area Canceled

AUSTIN, TX — A liquid substance fell from the skies across Austin on Tuesday afternoon — a climactic phenomenon meteorologists refer to as "rain" that hasn't been seen in these parts for two months.

The sudden arrival of rain in Central Texas ushered in a severe thunderstorm warning for northeastern Travis County that had been in effect until 5:45 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologists warned of possible wind damage in implementing the severe thunderstorm warning before they outright canceled the warning well before its implementation.

It took everyone by surprise, don't you know, and maybe the warning was out of of an abundance of caution. Meteorologists had said the potential hazard was located over Manor, Texas, some seven miles southeast of Pflugerville. The storm was moving north at 15 miles per hour, but weather officials warned gusts could reach 60 miles per hour.

But the thunderstorm in Austin petered out before it could strengthen.

Impacted cities include Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Elgin, Windemere, Manor and WellsBranch. As of this writing (5 p.m.), Cedar Park and Round Rock had yet to be visited by rain but residents should brace themselves for precipitation as the front coming in from the Gulf Coast moves their way.

Chances for rain will remain at 30 percent until around 9 p.m. The sudden arrival of rain (albeit a mere 2/10th of an inch) had the effect of lowering temperatures dramatically — from 97 degrees earlier in the day to around 78 degrees by early evening.

It was a day to remember in these parched parts, and those of us with plants were especially grateful. Enjoy the cooler weather the heavenly gods have now bestowed.