Severe storms possible tonight, Tornado Watch for parts of Central Texas until 4 AM

AUSTIN, Texas — A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Central Texas until 4 a.m. on Sunday, including parts of Travis, Gillespie, Hays, Lee, Blanco, Fayette, Bastrop and Caldwell counties.

After a few showers and downpours on Saturday afternoon, the severe weather potential is now expected to ramp up across Central Texas Saturday night.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has outlined the enhanced level – 3 out of 5 – risk for severe storms for all of Central Texas. The main window for severe storms will come between midnight and 8 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Storms during this time frame may be capable of damaging wind gusts, large hail and isolated tornadoes. 

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The SPC has highlighted areas south and west of the Interstate Highway 35 corridor for an enhanced tornado risk on Saturday night. 

In the yellow ‘hatched area seen below, a strong, long-track tornado is possible.

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Timeline

The window for severe storms will open up at midnight, but the more widespread rain and storms likely begin to move in after 2 a.m. across the Hill Country. 

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Storms will push eastward through the late overnight, and will be approaching the I-35 corridor by about 5 a.m.

Any of these embedded thunderstorms may be capable of damaging winds, large hail and a few tornadoes. Again, the highest tornado risk will be south and west of the I-35 corridor, where a strong, long-track tornado cannot be ruled out.

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Although the tornado risk is a bit lower east of I-35, the severe weather risk will continue as storms push east of Austin by 7 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Storms will move out of Central Texas by about 8 a.m. on Sunday morning.

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After sunrise on Easter Sunday, a much quieter weather pattern moves in with a strong westerly wind for the afternoon.

Clearing will take place through the day with sunshine for the afternoon and highs in the low 80s. 

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Expect cooler temperatures and drier weather for the upcoming week. The extended forecast can be found below.

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