Strong cold front pushes through

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A strong cold front moving through Central Texas by noon Christmas Day will bring some big weather changes.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms developed north of Austin before sunrise. The Storm Prediction Center issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Williamson, Milam and Lee counties until 9 a.m. Large hail and gusty winds were the primary threats with the strongest storms. Few thunderstorms developed over Llano county then diminished after passing Georgetown.

A Tornado Watch is in effect until 4 p.m. for east Texas and Louisiana. A few tornadoes were reported near Houston Christmas morning.

Rain will turn to snow in the Dallas area and into Oklahoma (watch attached video to left).

Behind the cold front, gusty NNW winds could reach 30 mph with gusts up over 40 mph here in Central Texas. The National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory. It’s in effect through 7 p.m. You’ll want to secure any lawn decorations and take care on the roadways. There’s also a Red Flag Warning in effect this afternoon. Fires that start will be hard to stop. Take extra care to prevent sparks that could start a fire.

Once the winds calm down overnight, get ready for the cold! Temperatures will fall into the upper 20s in Austin by early Wednesday. The upper teens are possible in the Hill Country. Remember your pipes, pets and plants before you head to bed.