Austin weather: Severe storms bring in lots of hail

AUSTIN, Texas - We are going to get a lot thrown at us in the next 24 hours. Much of Central Texas is under an ENHANCED RISK (Level 3) of severe storms this evening as a cold front comes to town. 

The National Weather Service issued several watches and warnings across Central Texas throughout the evening, including a brief tornado warning in Hays County.

It's a very tricky forecast because we have to overcome the very strong lid on the atmosphere. We are banking on the cold front to provide enough lift to overcome the lid and set off storms after dinner. 

If the lid holds, we will see no storms again, but if it gives in, the storms will form quickly and turn severe quickly since there is a bunch of energy available. 

We need to be prepared for dangerous storms this evening.

The timing of the storms is expected to be:

• Hill Country: 5 - 7pm
• Austin Metro: 7 - 9pm
• Eastern Counties: 9 - 11pm

Threats include possible quarter to golf ball-sized hail, wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph and possible isolated tornadoes. 

A tornado watch is in effect for Lampasas, San Saba and Mason Counties until 9 p.m.

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