AUSTIN (KXAN) – Although severe weather can occur on any day of the year, it “unofficially” kicks off in March and continues through May, a time of year when these events become more frequent.
Defining “severe”
There are specific criteria for a storm to be considered “severe”. A severe thunderstorm is capable of…
- Quarter-sized hail or larger
- 58 mph winds or stronger
- A tornado
It’s important to note that sometimes these hazards can be “radar-indicated” and not observed by a human. Regardless, preparedness actions remain the same.
Severe weather climatology
In Central Texas, our severe weather threats typically peak in May.
- Hail: early May
- Tornadoes: mid-May
- Damaging winds: end of May

Stay up-to-date with the KXAN First Warning Weather team as we gear up for an active spring season.
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