Severe weather affecting Fourth of July celebrations

Severe weather is affecting the celebrations planned in Central Texas for the Fourth of July. 

Safety is a paramount for everyone celebrating the national holiday. 

Attendees have been allowed to reenter the Circuit of the Americas for Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic after being evacuated due to severe weather approaching. 

WATCH LIVE TOWER CAMERA OF DOWNTOWN AUSTIN HERE

Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic is one of America's most celebrated festivals. Willie Nelson was planning at performing at the Circuit of the Americas at this year's party with a star-studded cavalcade of his friends. The lineup includes:

Willie Nelson & Family • Sturgill Simpson • The Head and The Heart • Ryan Bingham • Edie Brickell & New Bohemians • Margo Price • Jamestown Revival • The Wild Feathers • Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real • Asleep at the Wheel • Gene Watson • Particle Kid • Johnny Bush • David Allan Coe • Ray Wylie Hubbard • Billy Joe Shaver • Folk Uke • Raelyn Nelson Band 

The Austin Symphony and City of Austin are actively monitoring conditions in conjunction with the National Weather Service for tonight's H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks. 

Attendees are urged to watch weather stations and plan to arrive at a time when inclement weather has safely cleared the area.  At this time, it is predicted that weather will be clearing around 7:00 pm.  

The City of Hutto is going ahead with their Fourth of July celebrations as planned. 

The City of Cedar Park however is planning to have a scaled down version of their celebrations.

There will still be live music, limited carnival rides/attractions, free watermelon and some food vendors at Milburn Park, 1905 Sun Chase. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:15 p.m. 

Attendees should be prepared for muddy conditions. 

Meanwhile, the City of San Marcos has cancelled Summerfest due to the weather.

Their fireworks will go on as scheduled tonight.

While no warnings or advisories have been issued for the Austin-Travis County metro area, there is significant lightning activity in the area. Texas ranks among the top states for lightning fatalities each year. Lightning can occur up to 10 miles away from a storm, and may be conducted through a number of surfaces including the ground.

A direct strike is not necessary for severe injury or death to occur. 

Take the following precautions during thunderstorm and lightening activity:

  • When severe storms threaten, the safest place to be is indoors.
  • If you are outdoors, seek shelter in a home, large building or automobile. Do not take shelter in sheds, pavilions, tents, dugouts, or other small, open sided buildings.
  • Do not take shelter under isolated trees, cliffs, or rocky overhangs.
  • If you are in a vehicle roll up your windows.
  • Avoid high objects that may attract lightning. Stay away from tall isolated trees, telephone poles, or communications antennas.
  • Avoid being taller than your surroundings by standing on an open hilltop.
  • Avoid plumbing, including sinks and faucets. Do not take a shower or bath during a lightning storm.
  • Stay away from concrete floors and walls.
  • Do not use the telephone unless you have a true emergency.
  • If lightning begins while you are swimming or boating, get out of the water.
  • If outdoors, avoid contact with metal surfaces and do not carry anything made of metal. Stay away from metal fencing and pipes, as these objects are conductors of electricity.
  • Also, avoid contact with metal farm equipment (such as golf carts).

WATCH LIVE RADAR FOR AUSTIN, TEXAS HERE

For more safety tips regarding severe weather, click here.