Severe weather hitting the Lonestar State, including Central Texas

Severe weather is beating down on the state of Texas, this as many travel home from the holiday season.
Multiple tornadoes touched down in Dallas Saturday evening as severe weather hit the area.

Some flights heading to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport were diverted to the Austin Bergstrom International Airport. ABIA officials said the flights were with Southwest, Virgin and American airlines.

The National Weather Service said this winter storm could possibly bring historic blizzard conditions in Amarillo, Lubbock and other parts of the panhandle. Forecasters said Saturday; the panhandle could get nine to 18-inches of snow. Snow was already significantly coming down in El Paso Saturday afternoon.

The Texas Department of Transportation said drivers need to be careful in these kinds of conditions “Slow down, drive to conditions, give yourself that extra time to get to that destination, give yourself extra room. Watch out for our crews and give them room to do their job,” said Dianah Ascencio, Public Information Officer for TX Dot.

In Central Texas, some areas were under a tornado watch Saturday afternoon. The area was also expecting damaging high winds, severe thunderstorms, much cooler temperatures, and even some hail.

In the panhandle, NWS said high winds could drive the wind chill factor as low as 10 below zero and cause snow drifts several feet high. “We are expecting a lot of snow and wind, so they’re might be white out conditions. Visibility might be an issue they need to be prepared for that,” Ascencio said.

If you do have to drive, you will want to make sure your car is weather ready. Ascencio gave these suggestions. “They may have some extra flashlights in the vehicle, maybe some non-perishable foods, extra water, blankets, maybe some salt or sand in case they do become stuck they might that might help them.”

Ascencio said the best bet in this kind of weather is to just stay put. “Most of all we just want to make sure that if people don't have to be out during this winter storm that they stay home.”

Temperatures are expected to drop significantly so you will want to stay indoors, and bring animals inside.

Also for those flying, severe weather has been hitting here in Texas and across the country, so you will want to check with your airline ahead of time to check for delays or cancelations.