Abilene, Texas – Rain chances up to 90% could bring thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall along Interstate 20 overnight Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Abilene/San Angelo, medium to high rain chances ranging from 70% to 90% are expected across West Central Texas tonight into Saturday afternoon. The bulk of rainfall and thunderstorm development is forecast to occur overnight into Saturday morning.
Forecasters estimate overall rainfall amounts between one-quarter inch and 1 inch, with localized higher totals possible under stronger thunderstorms. While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few storms could become strong, producing brief heavy downpours.
Abilene and Sweetwater show peak rain probabilities near 90% late tonight into early Saturday. San Angelo and Brownwood are forecast to see rain chances between 80% and 95% during the overnight hours. Junction and Ozona may also experience elevated storm coverage before conditions gradually taper off Saturday afternoon.
Drivers along Interstate 20, U.S. Highway 87, and U.S. Highway 377 should prepare for reduced visibility and ponding on roadways during heavier bursts of rain.
Officials say the rainfall will be beneficial for drought-affected areas but caution that isolated stronger cells could produce moderate to heavy rainfall in a short period.
Students, overnight shift workers, and early Saturday travelers may encounter wet roads and lightning during peak storm development.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts through the night.
