Abilene, Texas – Strong to severe thunderstorms could bring hail up to 1 inch and winds to 55 mph beginning Friday afternoon.
According to the US National Weather Service in San Angelo, an approaching upper-level disturbance and cold front will move through West Central Texas late Friday into Saturday. Forecasters say conditions will support strong to severe thunderstorms, with the highest risk across areas shaded in dark green on the outlook map, including parts of the Big Country and Concho Valley.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the region under a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe weather. Potential hazards include large hail up to 1 inch in diameter and strong wind gusts between 40 and 55 mph.
Storms are expected to develop Friday afternoon and continue through Saturday morning. Areas along Interstate 20 near Abilene and Sweetwater, as well as U.S. Highways 87 and 277 near San Angelo, could see brief heavy rain, gusty winds and hail.
While widespread severe weather is not currently forecast, isolated stronger storms may develop.
Drivers traveling Friday evening along I-20 and surrounding roadways should prepare for sudden visibility reductions and wind gusts.
Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive warnings in case stronger storms form overnight.
Students, commuters and those with Friday night plans should monitor updated forecasts as timing may shift.
