CENTRAL TEXAS — A strong area of low pressure will move into the state on Thursday, producing some of the strongest wind gusts in recent memory.
Computer models are showing the possibility for wind gusts in the 30- to 40-mph range for Austin on Thursday afternoon and night. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph will be possible in the Hill Country in the same time frame. Fire danger will be elevated on Thursday due to the strong winds and low humidity values.
The last time we had a similar wind event like this was on Feb. 25, 2013, when wind gusts topped to near 60 mph in Pflugerville and 51 mph in Austin.
"There were reports of widespread damage along the Interstate 35 corridor along with several wildfires," the National Weather Service said. Read more about the February 2013 wind event HERE.
Residents should take some precautions around their homes to prepare for these gusts.
The winds could send your Christmas decorations flying around your neighborhood, so you may want to bring some of them in. Tree trimming experts said any wind stronger than 30 mph can start to bring down dead limbs on your trees, so homeowners should look out for branches too close to their house and trim them.
Windy weather ramps up our wildfire risk.
The National Weather Advisory is telling people not to throw cigarette butts out of car windows and to be careful not to drag trailer chains that could cause sparks. Drivers should not park a recently driven car on dry grass. And homeowners should clear dead vegetation from around their home.
Along with strong winds, this low pressure center will also bring in some colder air and some moisture. It could be cold enough for the development of snow flurries in the Hill Country Thursday night and Friday morning, but no accumulation is expected at this time.
Windy conditions continue on Friday, with gusts around 30 to 40 mph. Less wind is expected this weekend.
Stay tuned to KVUE for updates.
