Severe thunderstorms swept into the Highland Lakes overnight, bringing with it high winds and small hail, while dumping from a quarter inch to an inch of rain in areas.
The storm pushed through just after dark Sunday, May 10, with a lightning storm followed by wind reported up to 40 miles per hour.
In anticipation of potential severe damage, Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) ”to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe storms expected to impact multiple regions of Texas beginning today and continuing into Monday.”
“I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency resources to assist local officials with any potential weather impact,” he stated. “Texas is prepared to confront the severe storms that pose a threat to communities all across our state.
“Texans are urged to heed the guidance of state and local officials, monitor weather forecasts, and create an emergency plan for themselves and their loved ones. Never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always remember, ‘Turn Around Don’t Drown’.”
Austin KXAN’s Meteorologist Kristen Currie referred to the weather event last night as a “good soaking” with higher rain totals reported north and northeast of Austin.
Marble Falls area residents woke Monday morning to find minor flooding, downed tree limbs and some property damage.
The owner of Marble Falls Self Storage, 905 Avenue Q, said that a rooftop corner of the facility peeled away exposing a secondary roof structure resulting in some water damage.
Scott Ridgely of Ridgely Roofing was on the scene Monday morning with a crew, launching the repair process at the business just off FM 1431.
“We’ve had several calls this morning, this one and homeowners wanting us to come take a look,” he said.
Marble Falls Parks and Recreation officials sent an alert via their social media page, asking visitors to avoid flooded or washed out areas of park trails. Crews descended on Johnson Park to clear away downed branches and debris.
“Please be aware that some park areas and trails may be temporarily inaccessible for portions of today (May 11) as crews work to clear storm debris and tree damage from overnight weather,” parks officials shared. "For everyone’s safety, we ask that visitors avoid affected areas while cleanup operations are underway.
“We appreciate your patience as staff work to get our parks cleaned up and reopened as quickly as possible.”
According to Meteorologist Bob Rose of the Lower Colorado River Authority, the storm which appeared to have made its way from West Texas, caused cooler temperatures along with strong wind gusts.
“High-resolution forecasts indicate atmospheric conditions Sunday evening will be favorable for many of the storms along the cold front to become severe,” Rose said in advance of the storm event. “The primary severe weather hazards are expected to be damaging winds that could exceed 75 mph and large hail up to 2 inches in diameter.”
Other than temporary road debris, there were no reports locally of injuries nor significant damage.
Rose offered an extended outlook for the rest of the week.
“Sunny and dry weather is forecast Monday through Friday,” he stated. “High temperatures will be in the low 80s Monday and Tuesday but look to warm close to 90 degrees Thursday and Friday.”
