Threat of storms tonight??? (Houston, Dallas: living, pool, post office)

[car957]

It looks like it will be a noisy storm but the threat of severe weather is only moderate according to the National Weather Service. This appears to be a longer term storm because of the amount of moisture being dumped from the Gulf of Mexico and the cold front is not moving that fast.

Hopefully the attached NWS graphic will alay some your fear:

Graphical Hazardous Weather Outlook - National Weather Service Forecast Office - WFO, Austin/San Antonio, Texas Forecast Page

And if you haven't fertilized your yard, this evening would be a good time to do it. It will provide the nutrients to the St. Augustine or whatever grass you have. I luckily fertilized and aerated the yard this weekend so I am looking forward to the event.

[neddy]

You do need to be aware though of flash flooding around here and it you see water do not try to go through it, just go home in a different direction.

[Moonlady]

Neddy, that's a good point. This is actually Flood Awareness Week. I like the new saying "Turn Around Don't Drown". There's an ad in the paper today and it starts with "It's a Car not a Boat"! Every year during flash floods, people drive into a flooded roadway and there are deaths and rescue operations. It amazes me that after seeing this over and over people still attempt to cross when they shouldn't.

[atxcio]

Yes, very good point. I've become complacent about the storm winds/hail/occasional tornado watch, in fact I kind of like it... but it's definitely something you should sit back and enjoy from the comfort of your home! Our twisty roads, crazy drivers, and flood-prone areas are best avoided when a storm comes.

[traceyr13]

When we first moved here from Rhode Island, the storms and tornado possibility freaked us out also. In fact, when we flew in for interviews and to scout houses (in April 2006), we flew into Houston to spend the night with my sister, and then drove the next morning to Austin. There were tornado warnings in the greater Houston area that morning and hail damage that was breaking car windshields. We were seriously reconsidering relocating!

Having lived here for almost 2 years now, we're used to it and even like the storms. But I agree about the lightening...the house we currently live in was hit by lightening when the previous owner lived here, and it was so badly damaged that they had to strip it to the studs and rebuild...I keep thinking "lightening won't hit the same place twice!"

[jimmyjack]

Don't pay them no nevermind maam. If you're fixin to be in danger you will know it before things become dangerous and have plenty of time to react. All of the TV shows will show radar on the screen while your shows are playing and they'll bust in and give a warning if you are in the path. News folks trade in fear since scared people drive up their ratings. Just hold onto your hat and ride it through.

[Tom Williams 9]

hey Austin,especially the counties south and west like Hays need the rain....
rain is a good thing

[TexasHorseLady]

Rain is very good. Even living in Jarrell, that had two tornadoes in 11 years, the last one being the F5, I don't worry much if there's a tornado watch (just keep my eyes on the weather) - if there's a warning, I take note of where it is.

I also keep Wunderground bookmarked for weather - it's not hysterical, and I can look pretty close to see what's going on in my area if I'm so inclined.

[timfountain]

Originally Posted by traceyr13

When we first moved here from Rhode Island, the storms and tornado possibility freaked us out also. In fact, when we flew in for interviews and to scout houses (in April 2006), we flew into Houston to spend the night with my sister, and then drove the next morning to Austin. There were tornado warnings in the greater Houston area that morning and hail damage that was breaking car windshields. We were seriously reconsidering relocating!

Having lived here for almost 2 years now, we're used to it and even like the storms. But I agree about the lightening...the house we currently live in was hit by lightening when the previous owner lived here, and it was so badly damaged that they had to strip it to the studs and rebuild...I keep thinking "lightening won't hit the same place twice!"

Maybe you should consder a lightening conductor if your house has a history of being hit. It is probably at a higher elavation than other things around it, and could be hit again.....
Fundamentals of Lightning Protection - National Lightning Safety Institute

[ParisBurns]

Not a single drop of rain yet at my house in Round Rock.