Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Austin Area With 60-MPH Winds and Hail

Radar Tracking and Storm Progression

Doppler weather radar detected the severe thunderstorm near Bear Creek or Tanglewood Forest at 5:29 p.m. Thursday, moving southeast at 10 mph, according to the National Weather Service. By early evening, the system relocated near Niederwald and Lockhart while traveling east at 5 mph. Forecasters reported that the storm produced 60-mph wind gusts and hail approximately three-quarters of an inch in diameter. The weather service warned residents to expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees throughout the affected sector.

Impacted Communities and Public Safety Warnings

Communities listed in the warning path included San Marcos, Kyle, Lockhart, Martindale, Uhland, Mustang Ridge, Niederwald, Joliet, San Marcos Regional Airport, Maha, Maxwell, Reedville, Lytton Springs, Dale, Bateman, St. John Colony, and Mendoza. Emergency officials urged the public across these areas to move immediately to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

Large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature’s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

National Weather Service

Rainfall Totals Across the Region

Rainfall accompanied the severe weather, with localized gauges recording quick accumulations across the region. Bob Rose, a meteorologist with the Lower Colorado River Authority, reported that the LCRA rain gauge on Barton Creek at Texas 71 near Oak Hill measured 0.6 inch of rainfall in just 15 minutes around 5:10 p.m. Thursday. Additional evening rain totals tracked by regional monitoring networks included 0.89 inches at Barton Creek near Oak Hill, 0.88 inches in Manchaca, 0.61 inches in Dripping Springs, 0.51 inches in Blanco, 0.46 inches in Jollyville, 0.42 inches in Cedar Park, and 0.40 inches at Lake Austin near Cortana Shores.