Tornado Watch Extended for Central Texas Amid Severe Storms

AUSTIN, Texas – Central Texas is facing dangerous weather conditions as a Tornado Watch has been extended until midnight tonight. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the watch that includes counties such as Bastrop, Blanco, and Travis.

The Tornado Warning, currently in effect for northeastern Williamson County, is expected to last until 9 p.m. At 8:49 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of generating a tornado was reported near Bartlett, situated eight miles northwest of Granger, moving east at 35 mph.

Bell and Milam counties are also under a Tornado Warning until 9:30 p.m. A Flash Flood Warning remains effective for Hays, Blanco, Travis, Burnet, and Williamson counties until 1 a.m.

In addition to tornado warnings, multiple counties are facing Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, some until 9:45 p.m. Locations such as Dripping Springs, Blanco, and Flugrath need to stay alert as severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging hail and winds are moving through the area.

Warnings were issued for Gillespie, Blanco, Burnet, and Llano until 8:15 p.m., with reports of storms located in Eckert moving east at 30 mph. Affected areas include Marble Falls and Kingsland.

Although the tornado warnings have ended for some counties, Mason remains under a Tornado Warning until 7:15 p.m. Severe thunderstorms are also likely to produce small hail and strong winds, affecting several communities.

The storms, which developed across the Hill Country, posed a significant threat throughout the Memorial Day weekend. Meteorologists are predicting more rounds of severe weather as the evening progresses, reminding residents to stay vigilant and monitor local weather updates.

The threat of large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes creates a serious concern for the public, with possible hail sizes ranging from quarters to baseballs. Flooding from localized storms is also expected, with the NWS urging caution near low-water crossings.

This weather pattern is likely to persist into the week, with additional storms expected Tuesday night. The community is advised to follow safety recommendations and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.