Severe risk remains for later Tuesday night across Austin metro

AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Severe storms are again in the forecast for all of Central Texas as we move through the day Tuesday into early Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center has adjusted its severe outlook for Tuesday, dropping all of the Austin metro back to a level 2 out of 5 risk. Earlier Tuesday, the outlook had placed much of Central Texas in a 3 out of 5 risk level.

While the risk level has decreased slightly, the potential severe threats have not. Damaging straight-line winds and large hail are still possible across the area, in addition to an isolated tornado threat.

Much of West Texas is now under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch that will remain in effect until 9 PM Tuesday; our best chance for severe storms will see some activity fire up and make its way into the Hill Country, likely reaching the I-35 corridor between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.

There is also a risk of localized flash flooding with storms, with the Weather Prediction Center putting all of the Austin metro in a level 2 out of 4 risk for flooding rains. The main focus for heaviest rains is likely to our west in the Hill Country, but flash flooding can't be ruled out - especially if storms are focused over areas that have already been saturated by recent rainfall.

Once the severe threat exits the area late tonight, isolated rain chances will continue through the end of the week, with anywhere from 30-50 percent chances in the forecast through Friday evening.