Reports: Severe storms ignite over Texas, cause cancellation of college bowl game

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Severe thunderstorms, including the potential for a few tornadoes, will track across the south-central United States prior to the end of this week.

The risk of severe weather started in central Texas on Wednesday afternoon and will continue into Thursday as the storms push eastward into Mississippi and Tennessee, causing travel delays on the roads and in the skies for those traveling during the holidays.

“The storms have the potential to produce the full spectrum of severe weather into Thursday, ranging from damaging wind gusts and flash flooding to hail, frequent lightning strikes and a few tornadoes,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.

The First Responder Bowl in Dallas was canceled on Wednesday afternoon due to persistent thunderstorms. The game was called a no-contest and will not be rescheduled.

Download the free AccuWeather app to check the latest forecast and receive severe weather alerts for your location.

8:25 p.m. CST Wednesday:

Storm damage is being reported across Wichita Falls, Texas, after severe storms rolled through earlier this evening. Power outages have also been reported across the city.

storm damage 1

storm damage 1

storm damage 1

(Photo/Renee Guthrie)

storm damage 2

storm damage 2

storm damage 2

(Photo/Renee Guthrie)

7:52 p.m. CST Wednesday:

Soaking thunderstorms are causing flooding issues around Dallas. White Rock Creek at Dallas has sharply risen over the past few hours, jumping over 15 feet. The creek may continue to rise overnight before cresting in minor or moderate flood stage.

white rock creek

white rock creek

white rock creek

6:50 p.m. CST Wednesday:

Power outages and localized wind damage have been reported around Wichita Falls, Texas, after severe storms moved through the area.

Over 55,000 are without power across Texas with a majority of the outages being reported in this part of the state.

6:05 p.m. CST Wednesday:

A well-defined line of severe thunderstorms has developed across Texas and will advance eastward through Wednesday night. The primary threat is damaging winds and frequent lightning strikes, but tornadoes may spin up with thunderstorms embedded in the line.

People in Dallas, Austin and San Antonio should monitor these storms over the next several hours as they approach.

tx storms

tx storms

4:48 pm. CST Wednesday:

Small hail and wind wind gusts past 50 mph have been reported near Abilene, Texas, as a line of severe thunderstorms moved through.

One thunderstorm embedded in this line is now capable of spinning up a tornado and is tracking east over Interstate 20 toward Putnam, Texas.

4:21 p.m. CST Wednesday:

A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado is near Clarendon, Texas, and is tracking to the northeast. This is one of the first tornado warnings issued so far today.

2:30 p.m. CST Wednesday:

The First Responder Bowl, being played in Dallas, has been canceled and ruled a no-contest due to severe weather in the area.

first responder bowl

first responder bowl

first responder bowl

The First Responder Bowl between Boston College and Boise State was cancelled due to weather and was designated a no contest after multiple lighting delays Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez)

2:05 p.m. CST Wednesday:

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Texas, including the Austin area, until 10:00 p.m. CST on Thursday.

“Strong straight-line winds and weak tornadoes can cause similar damage! Because of this, remember to take shelter if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued,” NWS Austin/ San Antonio warned in a tweet.

12:59 p.m. CST Wednesday:

A lightning delay halted the First Responder Bowl at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. Boise State was trailing Boston College 7-0 with 5:08 left in the first quarter.

NCAA rules call for games to be delayed for at least 30 minutes when a lightning strike has been detected within 10 miles of the stadium. The game was delayed at 12:59 p.m. CST with Boise State set to start a drive at its own 16-yard line.

Another lightning strike was seen at 1:10 p.m., meaning the game can’t start any earlier than 1:40 p.m. local time. Any new lightning strikes will push the delay back another 30 minutes.

12:48 p.m. CST Wednesday:

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued until 7 p.m. CST for parts of west-central Texas and the Texas Panhandle, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).