News Summary
Central Texas is under severe weather alerts, with a tornado watch in effect and predictions of strong storms tonight. The National Weather Service warns of damaging winds and large hail, particularly affecting the Austin area. Over 65,000 customers are experiencing power outages. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and prepare for potential emergencies as storms move across the region. Additional storm chances may occur later this week, compounding weather concerns for Central Texas.
Austin – Central Texas is currently facing severe weather alerts, including a tornado watch, as isolated strong to severe storms are expected to develop tonight. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for multiple counties due to the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and severe thunderstorms that may result in significant property damage.
The severe thunderstorm watch will remain in effect until 10 p.m. tonight, with forecasts predicting storm activity to begin in Hill Country between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. These storms are expected to move towards the Austin metropolitan area from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by eastern counties experiencing storm conditions from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Residents in areas such as Austin, Pflugerville, Elgin, and Bastrop should be particularly alert, as reports indicate possible hail sizes reaching three inches in diameter and wind gusts up to 60 mph. There is also the potential for baseball-sized hail, creating a hazardous environment for those out and about.
Austin Energy has reported considerable power outages, with over 65,000 customers left without electricity, primarily in Central Austin, near the University of Texas campus, and in the Brentwood area. Currently, there are 174 active outages, and crews are working tirelessly to restore power following damage inflicted by high winds, hail, and lightning. The severe conditions are causing widespread concern among residents, prompting safety advisories to remain weather aware and prepared for emergencies.
The severe weather predictions are compounded by additional storm chances on Thursday, with slightly warmer temperatures expected leading into the weekend. Low rain chances will continue day by day through the weekend following tonight’s severe weather event.
In other news affecting Central Texas, the Texas Attorney General reported that the suspects in a recent jet ski hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of 18-year-old Ava Moore are undocumented individuals. Moore was struck while kayaking on Grapevine Lake on May 25, drawing attention to issues of public safety and accountability.
On a legislative front, the state House and Senate have passed a bill aimed at establishing “Texas Time,” which would introduce permanent daylight saving time, now awaiting Governor Abbott’s signature for enactment. Meanwhile, technology entrepreneur Elon Musk highlighted concerns over a recent bill passed by the House that aligns with former President Trump’s agenda, indicating that it may undermine efforts toward government downsizing.
Adding to public health concerns, the World Health Organization has reported a rising number of COVID-19 cases attributed to a new variant, particularly affecting regions such as the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and the western Pacific. U.S. airport screenings have identified travelers arriving from affected areas in states including California, Washington, Virginia, and New York.
As Central Texas braces for the anticipated severe weather, residents and travelers are strongly advised to stay updated through local weather apps and remain vigilant regarding real-time alerts and information about the evolving situation. Preparations for potential emergencies are strongly encouraged as conditions could worsen over the course of the evening.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 7 Austin: Hail Risk
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- KXAN: Today’s Forecast
- Google Search: Texas Weather Alerts
- Express News: Tornado Watch
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather
- KXAN: Storm Gallery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Storm Damage
- Fox 7 Austin: Enhanced Risk of Storms
- Google News: Texas Tornado Watch
