AUSTIN (KXAN) — 6:50pm Update: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued until Midnight as storms begin to pick up across Central Texas. This covers Travis, Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, Milam, Lee, and Williamson Counties.
Dark clouds are rolling into Central Texas as our next front arrives bringing a small drop in temperatures but a strong chance of some severe weather as it moves through.
The latest models are still consistent on the timing of the front and potential storms. The heaviest of showers should start to build near the Metro and move out towards the east.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed many in the “Slight” category, which is a Level 2. This signifies a greater chance of severe weather compared to Marginal, which is a category 1. The Hill Country may still see showers, but most will remain in the general thunderstorm category.
The strongest threats as of this time are still looking like quarter size hail and strong winds. Heavy pockets of showers may lead to street flooding in low lying areas, so take note if you decide to drive during or after the storm.
Higher rain totals are forecast east of I-35.
Christmas Day and the First Night of Hanukkah
Christmas Day starts out mostly cloudy with temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s. Gradual clearing throughout the day will leave a partly cloudy to mostly sunny sky by the afternoon with most highs in the mid to upper 60s. The evening will warm up a bit from the nice drop earlier in the day.
Another Threat on Thursday
Rain returns Thursday (50%) followed by a few showers Friday and Friday night.
The final weekend of the year starts out Saturday with a partly cloudy sky but ends up with sunshine. Sunday will be mostly sunny. Highs both days will be in the middle 70s.
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