San Antonio and the Hill Country are bracing for a noisy Thursday night as a fast-moving line of storms barrels out of the Texas Hill Country, packing gusty winds, frequent lightning, heavy downpours and a chance for isolated hail. Forecasters warned that the most intense cells could knock down tree branches and produce damaging gusts in neighborhoods on the far West Side and across the northwest suburbs. Residents were urged to keep a close eye on radar and make sure they have several ways to receive watches and warnings as the system slides southeast.
One strong storm complex over Real County was racing southeast at about 27 mph and, if it holds together, is expected to reach northwest Bexar County after 9 p.m., according to WOAI. That report also noted a cluster of storms in the western Hill Country that could move into parts of Bexar County between roughly 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., while an earlier line of storms appeared to be losing steam as it drifted into the metro area.
What To Expect
The National Weather Service office in Austin/San Antonio warned that storms overnight could bring damaging wind gusts, large hail and torrential downpours, with the added concern of multiple rounds of heavy rain that may trigger localized flooding. In its area forecast discussion, the office pointed to high instability and abundant moisture across the region and maintained a Flood Watch for portions of South-Central Texas through the holiday weekend. Check the latest details from the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio.
Timing And Where
Local forecast models continue to favor storm development over the Hill Country in the late afternoon and early evening, with storms then sliding southeast toward the I-35 corridor. In San Antonio, storm chances are expected to climb to around 50 percent later in the evening, according to the San Antonio Express-News. That forecast added that most storms should be brief but could drop a half-inch to an inch of rain, with isolated totals above two inches that may cause flash flooding in low-lying spots. Meanwhile, KSAT reported that some neighborhoods have already seen heavy overnight rainfall and frequent lightning ahead of this new wave.
Safety And Preparation
Officials urged residents to tie down or bring in loose outdoor items, hold off on nonessential travel during the heaviest downpours, and keep phones charged with a battery-powered radio within reach in case the power goes out. The National Weather Service’s “Turn Around Don’t Drown” campaign reminds drivers never to attempt crossing flooded roads. A few inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and a foot of water can float a car, so drivers are advised to seek higher ground if flooding develops, according to the National Weather Service.
Weekend Outlook
The stormy pattern does not look ready to pack it in once tonight’s line passes. Forecasts call for multiple rounds of showers and storms through the Memorial Day weekend, with the potential for additional heavy rain and localized flooding, according to Texas Public Radio. Officials noted that saturated soils will make flash flooding more likely if storms repeatedly track over the same neighborhoods, so residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware into Saturday and Sunday.
