Central Texas Under Tornado Watch

AUSTIN, TX —A tornado watch was issued for the Austin area on Wednesday as heavy storms pounded the region.

Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday placed numerous resources on standby across the state amid severe weather impacting parts of Central, North and East Texas. The severity of storms — with a 90 percent chance of precipation across a wide swatch — prompted the National Weather Service to place the area on a tornado watch until 5 p.m.

Given the inclement weather, 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 teams; 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 COVID-19, the governor added.

As defined by the National Weather Service, a tornado watch is issued when weather conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. A tornado watch also implies a severe thunderstorm watch being in effect.

"The resources we have placed on standby will help the state protect Texans and respond to any potential severe weather that could reach our communities," Abbott said in a prepared statement. "I urge all Texans to heed the guidance of local officials and pay attention to weather alerts."

In addition to Travis and Williamson counties, the tornado watch covers the following counties:

• Anderson
• Angelina
• Austin
• Bastrop
• Brazos
• Burleson
• Caldwell
• Cherokee Falls
• Fayette
• Freestone
• Grimes
• Houston
• Jasper
• Lee
• Leon
• Limestone
• Madison
• Milam
• Montgomery
• Nacogdoches
• Newton
• Panola
• Polk
• Roberston
• Rusk
• Sabine
• San Augustine
• San Jacinto
• Shelby
• Trinity
• Tyler
• Walker
• Waller
• Washington

The governor urged residents to follow 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.

State agencies involved in the response effort include 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.

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

Additional resources and information:

• Floods.
• Thunderstorms.
• Tornadoes.

As always during inclement weather, residents should consult atxfloods.com to see area of high water to avoid when driving.