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 Texas Counties with Burn Ban declarations
Red Flag Warning status: Austin region | Temple/Waco region
Red Flag Warnings are issued when a critical combination of dry (low humidity, low soil moisture) and windy weather conditions that presents a significant and imminent high to extreme fire danger in a given county. Typical conditions include winds greater than 15 mph, relative humidity around or less than 25%, and temperatures generally greater than 75 degrees. Thunderstorms with dry lightning also prompt this warning. May be issued when confidence is high Red Flag conditions will occur within the next 24 hours.
News 8 Austin wants you to be prepared when bad or severe storms strike but it's up to you to devise a plan to keep your family safe. Using the information below, develop a plan today for your home, work, school and for outdoors. Be ready to act when good weather goes bad; it could be the most important decision you'll ever make!
For definitions of watches and warnings see our Weather FAQ. We suggest that every household prepare and store an emergency kit.
During severe thunderstorms, the air near a lightning strike is heated to 50,000 degrees - hotter than the surface of the sun. Around Central Texas, thunderstorms occur year-round with a peak in the summer months and people outdoors (especially near trees, water or hilltops) have the highest risk of being struck. Also, depending on their strength, some thunderstorms produce large hail and gusty winds, leading to property damage, injuries and sometimes death.
So what should you do when thunderstorms approach? Remain indoors away from windows, which can break, and electrical appliances, which can conduct electricity. If you're caught outside with nowhere to run, find a low spot and crouch down on the balls of your feet. Keep contact with the ground limited, and avoid being the tallest object.
Central Texas has been called the flash flood capitol of the entire United States! Why? The Texas Hill Country is made up primarily of limestone and rainwater easily and quickly makes its way as "runoff" down the sides of those hills into valleys, creeks and dips in roadways. It doesn't take long, sometimes just a few minutes to hours of excessive rainfall, to cause a flash flood. Surprisingly enough, more weather deaths can be blamed on flash flooding that anything else, and nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto related. The key to survival during flooding is to avoid running water, such as you would find in swollen streams and low water crossings. Drive cautiously and never go through barricades.
Remember, some flooded roadways may not yet be blocked off (particularly in rural areas) so watch for water over the road - water as little as one foot deep can carry your car off the road. Be extra cautious at night when darkness makes it especially hard to see water over the road. Finding an alternate route may cost you time but it could definitely save your life. If you live in a flood-prone area, make a family evacuation plan and prepare to move to higher ground with little notice.
Tornadoes are one of nature's most violent storms they occur frequently in Central Texas. Fortunately, NEXRAD radar allows News 8 Meteorologists to detect and warn you before tornadoes hit the ground. Most tornadoes are quite weak, causing little damage, but the strongest tornadoes can annihilate everything in their paths.
Look out for a dark, greenish sky, large hail, a "wall" cloud, or a loud roar (described like a freight train). Keep in mind, some tornadoes are visible and some are quite hard to see. If you think you're in the path of a tornado get to a secure home or sturdy building. Avoid mobile homes. Head for the basement - if you have one - or the lowest floor, in the center of the building, away from windows. A bathroom or central closet offers better protection. Use blankets or a mattress to protect yourself and others from flying debris. If caught outside or in a vehicle, do not try to outrun the tornado in your car. As a last resort, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression.
Winter storms don't happen often but the occasional one can have devastating effects on Central Texas, literally shutting down the city for days or weeks. Strong winds and/or heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees, utility poles and power lines. Even small amounts of ice may cause extreme hazards to motorists and pedestrians. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life threatening, especially to infants and elderly people. Snow, sleet and freezing rain make up the winter precipitation types during a storm.
To protect yourself and your family safely use heaters, a fireplace or other appliances to keep warm. Close off unneeded rooms and cover windows at night. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. If you're outside or stuck in a vehicle, cover all exposed parts of your body and try to stay dry. If stranded in a vehicle, run the motor about ten minutes every hour for heat, but make sure you have plenty of ventilation. Also make yourself visible to rescuers, and exercise from time-to-time to keep blood circulating.
For definitions of watches and warnings see our Weather FAQ.
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