Severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon through this evening, mainly impacting Texas and Louisiana. A cooler weather pattern will return this weekend and continue into next week. There is a level 2 ‘Slight Risk’ for severe weather today,

If storms become severe in the Lakes Area, damaging wind gusts up to 57 mph are possible, along with hail up to 1 inch in diameter.

The Great Plains region, including Oklahoma and parts of Texas, is experiencing more frequent severe storms, according to a new report.

On Wednesday evening, a cold front will build from the west which has the potential to bring showers and storms.

A cold front will bring scattered thunderstorms to Central Texas Friday, with heavy rain and hail possible. Expect a sharp temperature drop this weekend.

Strong isolated storms and hail could impact Central Texas roadways on Friday, January 9. The Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Austin division is warning drivers to beware of possibly severe weather conditions in the late morning through the early evening.

As a slug of polar vortex-fueled arctic air overtakes the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. next week, a storm system could bring snow, sleet and freezing rain to places deep in the heart of Texas before it spreads across the Southeast.