All articles tagged with #central texas
A strong polar cold front is arriving in Central Texas between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. Saturday, bringing gusty winds of 25-45 mph, sharply dropping temperatures into the low 40s, and wind chills in the 20s and 30s. Despite sunshine, Saturday's highs will only reach the upper 50s, with more pleasant weather returning by Sunday and next week, featuring highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s.
Doctors in Central Texas report an increase in flu A (H1N1) cases, with symptoms including high fever, sore throat, runny nose, and gastrointestinal issues. Vaccination is recommended, especially for vulnerable groups, along with hand hygiene and mask-wearing to prevent spread.
Central Texans observed flickering lights in the sky Sunday night as a Starlink satellite passed over the area. Starlink, a SpaceX subsidiary providing internet coverage to over 70 countries, was confirmed visible around 9:32 p.m. in Dale. Future sightings in the Austin region are expected at 9:27 p.m. Monday and 5:36 a.m. Tuesday. Online resources like Find Starlink and satellitemap.space help users track satellite visibility.
Central Texas, including Austin and surrounding counties, is under a severe thunderstorm watch and heat advisory on Tuesday, with the National Weather Service warning of damaging winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to persist through the weekend, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 102 degrees and heat index values up to 110.
Over 55,000 people in Central Texas are without power following strong storms and a confirmed tornado in Temple. Oncor crews are working to restore power by Thursday evening, and the public is advised to stay away from downed power lines. No deaths or injuries have been reported.
Traffic is expected to be heavy in Austin and Central Texas on April 8 due to the solar eclipse, with popular viewing locations along U.S. Highway 290 and 281. Drivers are advised not to stop on the highway to view the eclipse and to plan ahead for potential delays. CapMetro is offering a special MetroRail service to Leander for eclipse viewing, with an "Eclipse-nic" event including complimentary eclipse glasses and lunch.
Austin and Travis County leaders are warning the public about potential impacts of the upcoming total eclipse, advising residents to prepare for increased traffic, limited cell phone service, and fully booked rental cars. With several major events coinciding with the eclipse, officials are urging Austinites to avoid non-essential travel, plan for early departures, and expect busy airport travel. A disaster declaration has been signed to ensure first responders have necessary resources, and state leaders are also preparing for a substantial increase in traffic volumes on major corridors.
A bright light seen over Central Texas on Monday evening was likely the result of a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral as part of the Starlink mission, which aims to build a satellite constellation. Similar sightings in the past have also been linked to SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches and the Starlink project.
Several Central Texas school districts, including Marble Falls ISD, have canceled classes on April 8 to allow students to witness a total solar eclipse, a rare event that won't occur again for another 20 years. The districts have made the day a student holiday, and an interactive map has been created to show which cities will be in the path of totality and for how long.
Travis County in Texas has issued a disaster declaration in anticipation of the total solar eclipse on April 8, expecting large crowds and increased traffic. The declaration aims to help first responders manage the situation and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Private property owners hosting gatherings with more than 50 people to watch the eclipse are required to notify the county. Residents are advised to plan ahead for traffic congestion, reschedule non-urgent appointments, and watch the eclipse at home or near their homes.
Severe weather, including the possibility of large hail, is forecasted for Central Texas on Thursday evening into Friday morning, with the greatest threat of hail expected north of the area. The Austin region may experience strong winds, thunder, and some rain, with low chances of significant rainfall. Drivers are advised to be cautious and seek shelter in severe weather, avoiding overpasses due to limited visibility and potential dangers from high winds and flying debris.
Spectrum crews working on fiber optic lines in Central Texas neighborhoods have caused property damage and disruptions to essential services, leading to complaints from homeowners. Issues include ruptured gas and sewage lines, broken sprinkler systems, and lack of communication and permission for access to private property. Homeowner's associations have expressed frustration with Spectrum's limited communication and the impact on residents' essential services and employment. Spectrum has made leadership changes within its contractors and is working to resolve customer issues, while local authorities are discussing possible ordinance updates to address utility work-related concerns.
During April's total eclipse, a "double diamond ring" effect, also known as Baily's Beads, will be visible in parts of Central Texas as the last bit of the sun is covered by the moon and when it reemerges, caused by the uneven edge of the moon. Cartographer Michael Zeiler has created maps showing where this phenomenon will be visible, particularly just west of Fredericksburg and Kerrville, and has also created 14 maps across North America for other viewing locations. Solar eclipse glasses are necessary for safe viewing, and only those within the path of totality can briefly remove them when the sun is completely obscured.
A tornado warning issued for Fayette County in Central Texas was canceled after the storm moved into Austin and Washington counties. Although no active warnings remain, remnants of the storm, including large hail, were spotted in the area. Viewers shared photos and videos of hail accumulating in Belterra and West Point amid the severe weather. Cloudy skies are expected to clear up in the afternoon.
Several school districts in Central Texas have announced two-hour delays for Wednesday, Jan. 17 due to winter weather conditions, including Austin ISD, Del Valle ISD, and Wimberley ISD. Residents can use an interactive map and list provided by KXAN to check if their school is affected.