A shifting weather pattern has raised flooding concerns across Central Texas on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, as repeated rounds of heavy atmospheric disturbances move into the region following severe overnight storms.
The National Weather Service is tracking the system as it threatens already saturated areas with rapid accumulation.
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The preceding weather system generated wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, frequent lightning, and torrential downpours between Tuesday night and early Wednesday.
Portions of Williamson County recorded rainfall totals ranging from 5 to 7 inches during that initial activity.
Risk Levels and Timing
The Weather Prediction Center placed Central Texas under a level 1 to 2 out of 4 risk of excessive rainfall from overnight Wednesday into early Thursday.
This designation indicates at least a 5% to 15% chance of excessive precipitation capable of causing flash floods.
Meteorologists also identified a low-end level 1 to level 2 out of 5 risk for isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms in areas extending into the western and southern Edwards Plateau and the Rio Grande Plains.
Large hail and damaging winds are the primary hazards for that sector.
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The scattered storms are projected to organize into a complex near midnight before tracking eastward into Central Texas between 1 a.
m. and 5 a.
m.
Local forecasters warned that thunderstorms could quickly produce an additional 1 to 2 inches of rainfall in highly vulnerable communities.
A more stable air mass is expected to settle over the region behind the departing storm complex, creating a mainly dry period on Thursday.
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Temperatures are forecast to remain cooler, with afternoon highs staying in the upper 70s and lower 80s as some lingering storms gradually push east during the morning commute.
