Cold front gusts into Texas capital


Posted: Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:33 AM - 14,663 Readers

By: Jackie Vega & Jim Spencer


http://media2.kxan.com//photo/2011/10/14/AustinCapitolSkylinea_20111014220949_320_240.JPGA strong cold front brought more-than-welcome cooler temperatures, something Central Texans have long been waiting for as they tried to get through the summer drought.

The gusty winds have triggered a Red Flag Warning until 7 p.m. Tuesday, as north winds may gust between 35 mph and 40 mph. Sustained winds of 20 mph to 30 mph are expected during much of the day, and firefighters are on high alert with the elevated wildfire danger.

The National Weather Service warns against the use of open flames or any activity that could cause sparks, as accidental ignition will have the potential to grow quickly into dangerous, wind-driven wildfires.

Rain chances with the front are minimal and are mainly over the eastern- and northeastern portions of Central Texas.

The system had north- and west winds gusting to 60 mph, churning up a dust storm Monday that roiled through the Texas South Plains.

The wall of dust darkened skies and stopped traffic. The winds caused widespread minor damage, downed power lines and toppled trees.

The National Weather Service in Lubbock reported blowing dust all Monday afternoon.

Only with the arrival of the cold front just before 6 p.m. did the northerly winds of 40 mph, gusting to 60 mph, churn up a wall of dust reminiscent of Dust Bowl photos from the late 1930s.




Read Full Story at: Jackie Vega & Jim Spencer



MORE IN WEATHERMore Weather news

Weather

Sunny, dry week ahead at the lake as afternoons warm into the 80s

Oct 19, 2026

After a chilly weekend, the week starts on a quiet note around Lake Travis. Monday morning began in the 40s and 50s under mostly clear skies, with plenty of sunshine and afterno...

Read more →

Weather

Chilly fall weekend at the lake, with highs back in the 80s next week

Oct 17, 2026

Thursday night's strong cold front has delivered the first real taste of fall to Central Texas. After Friday's gusty winds, Saturday is shaping up sunny and cool with highs in t...

Read more →