Strong storms are expected today, potentially bringing severe weather threats

WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Today is a First alert weather daywhich means severe weather is expected through Central Texas and we want you to do so Stay weather aware for changing weather conditions to minimize the impact of storms.

As is typical with the cold fronts that move through Central Texas this time of year, the primary threat for severe storms today will come from strong straight-line wind gusts, especially as the storms arrive with a cold front this afternoon and evening.

Today's overall severe weather threat is Level 2 out of 5, the mild category, with a Level 3 severe weather risk across North Texas, Oklahoma, parts of Arkansas and also parts of Missouri.

Although most of the late afternoon and evening storms will primarily carry the threat of strong wind gusts, isolated strong storms forming mid-morning into the afternoon today could also potentially contain hailstones up to half a dollar in size One or two stray tornadoes also produce hail.

There is also a risk of flash flooding, particularly for cities and towns near the I-35 corridor. Forecast model data indicates that the strong storms along today's cold front could slow significantly as they approach and cross I-35 just before and after sunset tonight. As storms slow or weaken, there is an increased risk of flash flooding in the evening commute today.

There will be two separate opportunities for severe storms today, so don't let either of them surprise you. Starting at 7 a.m. we will see isolated light showers begin to form around Austin, moving northward as the morning progresses.

A prefrontal low pressure area ahead of the cold front could cause light morning showers to develop into a few isolated thunderstorms. If we see severe storms this morning into the early afternoon hours, chances are best after 10:00 a.m. to around 3:00 p.m. However, most midday storms are expected to leave the area by 1 p.m.

If strong storms form this morning, the main severe weather threat will be hail, strong wind gusts and possibly an isolated tornado.

Since today's cold front moves in later today, we expect severe storms to form and move through it. For some of us, however, the chance of storms is lower because storms may not actually form until today's cold front passes through some Central Texas counties.

Today's front will reach west of Highway 281 around 2:00 p.m. and will cross Highway 281 around 4:00 p.m. The chance of storms in the morning and early afternoon could help stabilize the atmosphere enough to make it difficult for storms to initially form on the front in Mills, San Saba and Hamilton County. However, these storms should blossom once they cross Highway 281.

Forecast model data suggests the storms blooming along the front could slow and stall for a while as they approach I-35 around and after sunset this evening. If the storms actually slow down as they advance, strong wind gusts and heavy rain could continue for a while. The peak chance for storms along the I-35 corridor will be between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Remember that due to the time change, the chance of storms is highest during the evening rush hour and it will be dark! Do not drive through flooded roads.

Cities east of I-35 will not be at risk of severe weather until after sunset. Today's front will move through your neighborhood from approximately 6:00 p.m. to midnight. Although the sun has set, these storms can still be strong to severe, bringing straight-line wind gusts and heavy rain.

The severe weather threat should end across the area by midnight, but there will still be isolated rain and light storms after midnight and just after dawn on Election Day-Tuesday.

To stay up to date on all the latest weather changes before your evening commute, be sure to download our FREE KWTX WEATHER APP. You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store by searching for “KWTX Weather”.

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