Severe storms and snow flurries possible as 2020 wraps up
AUSTIN, Texas - The final few days of 2020 feature active weather across Central Texas.
As a cold front moves through Central Texas Wednesday, cooler air and breezy north winds will spread across the region.
As the front encounters this moisture and instability, there is a chance for a few thunderstorms to develop. Currently, NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has parts of Central Texas, along and east of I-35, under a Marginal Risk for severe weather Wednesday.
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The best chance for severe storms will be in the afternoon and evening. Any severe storms that do develop will likely be isolated and short-lived. The main hazards with some of the stronger storms will be 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail.
A trailing upper-level low pressure system will be moving from Mexico into Texas Wednesday night into Thursday. The approach of this system will keep rain chances in place across Central Texas, even after the cold front has moved through.
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Most of the region will see a cold rain throughout the day on Thursday, but there is a chance for snow flurries and ice pellets mixing in with the rain throughout parts of the Hill Country.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Gillespie, Llano, Burnet, San Saba, and Mason Counties starting at noon on Thursday and continuing until midnight Friday morning.
As temperatures drop throughout the Hill Country Thursday afternoon and evening, we may see the wintry mix transition to mostly-snow.
While accumulations seem unlikely considering the fact that the ground will still be warm, a few bridges and overpasses may become icy.
Although there are still uncertainties with the forecast in regards to wintry precipitation, it does appear that Central Texas will enjoy soaking rain between now and New Year’s Eve. On average, rainfall totals will likely be between 1.5" and 3".
The FOX 7 Weather Team will provide updates as the forecast comes into better focus over the next 48 hours.
Stay up-to-date and track the weather by downloading the FOX 7 WAPP.