City to open short-term safe havens for community during severe weather

Central Texas weather: Severe weather Thursday could include damaging winds, lightning and hail

The storms will return this evening and they could be packing a punch with damaging winds, hail and lightning. Zack Shields shows us what to expect and when in his full forecast.

AUSTIN, Texas - The City of Austin will extend the hours of dozens of Parks and Recreation and Public Library facilities on March 2 to help anyone who needs a safe place to wait out the expected thunderstorm.

A total of 20 recreation centers and four public libraries will remain open until 10 p.m., by which time the worst of the storm is forecast to have passed Austin.

A full list of the locations opening late can be found at www.austintexas.gov/alerts.

The National Weather Service has warned of severe weather threats across most of Central Texas, including Austin, Thursday evening. Risks include damaging winds, with gusts of up to 60 mph, large hail and possible isolated tornadoes.

The most severe impacts of the storm are expected be felt in Austin between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Here are some essential emergency preparedness steps and tips for severe weather: 

Make a plan: Create an emergency plan with your family that includes designated meeting spots and emergency contacts. Make sure everyone knows what to do and practice your plan.  
Build an emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as non-perishable food, a flashlight, water, first-aid supplies, and any necessary medications. Don't forget to include supplies for pets.  
Know Your Neighbors: By knowing your neighbors and building a strong network, you can increase your community's readiness level in an emergency. 
Stay informed: Keep your cell phone charged or a battery-powered radio to monitor local weather conditions. Sign up for emergency notifications from WarnCentralTexas.org to receive important information during emergencies. 
Protect your property: Secure loose items such as outdoor furniture and garden tools that could become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Keep trees trimmed to prevent damage from falling branches. 
Seek shelter: If severe weather is approaching, seek shelter in a safe location such as an interior room on the lowest level of your home. Go to the safest location in your home such as a room with no windows or exterior walls.
Turn off utilities: Know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity in case of an emergency.

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