Round Rock police said there were reports of structural damage to multiple homes and businesses after a tornado touched down Monday evening. No major injuries have been reported, officials say.
Temporary shelters have been set up at Dell Diamond Heritage Center and Redbud Elementary School.
Tornadoes touched down in Round Rock, Luling and Jarrell around 6 p.m. One hit Elgin shortly after. The City of Taylor also reported damage and downed power lines from a tornado.
Williamson County's Office of Emergency Management said the tornado went along the ground at the I-35 and SH 45 flyovers. The city is asking people to stay home as the damage is assessed and emergency personnel helps those impacted.
At least three injuries have been reported near Elgin, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management opened a shelter for those displaced by the storm at the Elgin Recreation Center.
Austin was under a tornado warning Monday afternoon, but seems to have missed most of the damage. The National Weather Service still has Travis, Hays and Williamson counties under a tornado watch until 10 p.m. A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in the area, but one is not actively happening. The NWS issues a tornado warning if a tornado is about to touch the ground.
The storm brought severe winds and hail to the Austin area. Some roads may have become dangerous or impassable because of flooding. Check the ATXfloods website for closures.
Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to prepare resources to aid communities impacted by the severe weather.
“In preparation for this severe weather, I have directed TDEM to increase its readiness and place emergency response resources on standby for rapid deployment if needed,” Abbott said in a statement. “The state will continue monitoring these conditions and is ready to assist local communities affected by these storms. I ask Texans to stay alert and informed of weather developments and heed guidance from local officials.”
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