severe thunderstorm update 5 pm est

[WXBUFFJIM]

Severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon across central and eastern Texas and in Louisiana as well. The main threats with these thunderstorms will be hail 3/4 inch in diameter or larger, thunderstorm wind gusts to 58 mph or greater, and isolated tornadoes.

The tornado watch that was in effect for southern Mississippi and southeast Louisiana has expired at 3 PM CST. However isolated severe thunderstorms are possible in Louisiana and southern Mississippi through the rest of the afternoon.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for central Texas including Austin in effect until 8 PM cst. Severe thunderstorms with large hail have been reported already in central Texas and large hail and damaging winds are expected this afternoon and evening for the central lone star state.

Severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect for east Baton Rouge Parish including the cities of Hachary and Baker and west Baton Rouge Parish including the city of Port Allen, all in southeast Louisiana in effect until 4:30 PM CST.

At 3:57 PM CST, doppler radar indicated a severe thunderstorm just west of Port Allen moving northeast at 40 mph.

Penny sized hail was reported earlier with this storm. Large hail and damaging winds are likely with this severe storm. Take cover in a sturdy building and stay away from windows.

In addition, Lincoln Parish in northern Louisiana is under a severe thunderstorm warning. This is east of Shreveport. Hail up to nickel size is possible with this storm.

Also watch out in the next hour in Austin, TX as a strong thunderstorm is approaching from the west. This same cell produced golfball size hail earlier in Burnet County, TX.

Jim