Full Breakdown
Mother’s Day Severe Thunderstorm Outbreak Sweeps Texas on May 10, 2026
5/11/2026, 8:13:04 PM
Outbreak Overview
On Mother’s Day evening, May 10, 2026, a cold front moving south across Texas ignited a line of severe thunderstorms that swept North, Central and South-Central Texas. The Storm Prediction Center issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for many counties, assigning Level 3 risk to the Hill Country and Austin area and Level 2 to San Antonio. Storms cleared by Monday morning.
Risk Levels and Forecasts
SPC placed the Hill Country, Austin and surrounding counties in a Level 3 corridor, while Bexar County and areas received Level 2. A Thunderstorm Watch stayed active until midnight for Bell, Borden, Bosque and Erath. Forecasts called for 60-75 mph gusts, hail from quarter-size to 2-inch stones, and 0.1-4 inches of rain, heaviest east of I-35.
Key Agencies and Response
Governor Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate resources, including Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, Forest Service, Parks and Wildlife Department, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. National Weather Service warned of winds over 75 mph and hail up to 2 inches. SPC coordinated watch issuance with emergency managers.
On-the-Ground Impacts
Reports from Austin and North Texas noted wind gusts of 60-70 mph, up to 75 mph, snapping trees and causing power outages. Hail fell in sizes from quarter-sized to baseball-sized, with some storms producing 2-inch stones. Rainfall ranged from a tenth of an inch to 3-4 inches, creating brief street flooding and isolated flash-flood warnings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on hail size—from quarter-sized to baseball-sized stones—and on wind estimates, ranging from 60-70 mph to 75 mph. Reported rainfall spans 0.1-1 inch to 2-4 inches. No tornadoes were confirmed despite a low-level risk.
Official Statements & Responses
The governor stressed state readiness and urged residents to follow local guidance and prepare emergency plans. The National Weather Service warned of widespread thunderstorm activity with wind gusts capable of downing trees and roofs. SPC maintained its risk categories and worked with emergency managers to issue alerts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency resources to assist local officials with any potential weather impact,” — Governor Greg Abbott, Texas Governor
- “Texas is prepared to confront the severe storms that pose a threat to communities all across our state.” — Governor Greg Abbott, Texas Governor
- “ According to the National Weather Service, significant thunderstorm activity is expected to reach across a large portion of the state starting Sunday afternoon, extending into the overnight hours and early Monday morning.” — National Weather Service
- “In addition, the Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of the Hill Country and the Austin Metro Area under a Level 3 (out of 5) risk, and the San Antonio Metro area under a Level 2 risk for severe storms tonight.” — Storm Prediction Center
- “The Brief Severe storms are sweeping across North and Central Texas today, bringing threats of 2-inch hail, 75 mph winds, and flash flooding.” — Fox 4 News, Weather Team
What’s Next
Monday will be cooler and drier, with highs in the low 80s and low humidity. A warming trend returns later in the week, and unsettled weather may reappear by weekend.
