Storms and rain have entered Travis, Williamson and Hays counties from the west, and the area is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 p.m. for many in the Central Texas area.
Western Travis and Williamson counties are also under an urban and small stream flood advisory until 11:45 p.m., which was issued by the National Weather Service at 8:12 p.m. on Jan. 10. The advisory was issued due to heavy rains and thunderstorms, which could cause small stream and localized flooding.
Original post: Jan. 10, 2020, 8:28 a.m.
The Greater Austin area, from Georgetown and parts further north running south past Dripping Springs, is under a severe weather alert Jan. 10 as a storm set to hit later this afternoon is predicted by weather officials to carry damaging effects.
The San Antonio-Austin satellite office of the National Weather Service issued a statement via Twitter at 7:30 a.m. Jan 10 warning of an eastward-moving storm that could produce large hail and tornado activity, along with damaging winds. The NWS states the window for the Hill Country area to be hit is between 4-6 p.m.
Travis County Precinct 3 Commissioner Gerald Daugherty said all Central Texas residents who are not already registered for alerts on www.warncentraltexas.com should immediately do so.1/10 7:30 AM: The threat for strong to severe thunderstorms will begin over the Hill Country 4-6pm today, with storms quickly growing into a line and moving eastward through the evening. Primary threat is damaging winds, although large hail and a tornado or two are also possible. pic.twitter.com/TpOIDy40rH
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) January 10, 2020
"That's the main thing," Daugherty said. "And then with tornadoes, you need to be prepared on where to go, since we don't have cellars [in Central Texas homes], you need to get to the most central spot in your house. Otherwise really pay attention to the news and know what's coming. All of the [emergency service districts] and other first responders will be on high alert all day."
One of most dangerous mistakes motorists can make is to drive over water that completely covers a road, he said, invoking the oft-cited safety motto "turn around, don't drown."
An official statement from the city of Georgetown echoes Daugherty's message regarding awareness and registering for alerts.
"The City of Georgetown is monitoring the severe weather forecast in the region for this afternoon," the notice states. "We encourage our residents to monitor local news for weather conditions and take cover in the event of strong storms or tornadoes. Residents also are encouraged to register to get emergency warnings by email, text, or phone at WarnCentralTexas.org."
Daugherty also said he does not want to make any hyperbolic statements as a public official that might cause Travis County residents more concern than necessary, but he added citizens should exercise common sense regarding their own situations.
"If you think weather is going to be moving in while you may be on the road, that may be something you may want to talk to your boss about," he said. "Some may be safer at work. But people need to make that call for themselves. People need to use their heads on this."
Central Texas residents can register for the most recent weather alerts at www.warncentraltexas.com
