San Angelo, Texas — A Tornado Watch has been issued for a large portion of central and west Texas Tuesday afternoon as forecasters warn that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.
The watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. CDT and covers dozens of counties across the Edwards Plateau, Hill Country, and Concho Valley regions.
Communities included in the watch area include San Angelo, Abilene, Kerrville, Brownwood, Uvalde, Del Rio, and surrounding areas.
Meteorologists say thunderstorms developing during the late afternoon and evening may become severe, with the potential for tornadoes, very large hail, and damaging wind gusts.
Initial storms may form along a developing boundary across west Texas before spreading east into central parts of the state through the evening hours.
Forecasters say some storms could develop into rotating supercells, which are capable of producing the most intense severe weather.
Large hail could reach two inches in diameter or larger, while strong wind gusts could cause scattered tree damage and power outages. Isolated tornadoes are also possible with the strongest storms.
Drivers traveling along major routes such as Interstate 20 near Abilene, Interstate 10 near Kerrville, U.S. Highway 87 through San Angelo, and U.S. Highway 90 near Uvalde and Del Rio should remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions this evening.
Officials urge residents across the watch area to monitor weather alerts closely and ensure they have multiple ways to receive warnings, including mobile alerts and NOAA Weather Radio.
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornado development. If a tornado warning is issued, residents should move immediately to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
Forecasters will continue monitoring storm development across Texas throughout the evening.
