Severe thunderstorms could bring ​large hail, tornado to Austin tonight

Scattered rain showers are expected to transform into severe weather including possible hail, a tornado and damaging winds from 3-11 p.m. Monday.

With much of Central Texas covered in “enhanced” level four risk, of five threat levels, Austin can expect up to an inch of rain, a possible long-track tornado and large hail of up to two inches in diameter, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

The last time Austin reached a level 4 risk was in May 2015.

Light rain is expected throughout the early afternoon before a brief hiatus as storms open up around 3 p.m, moving from West to East Austin. The most severe storms are expected from 4-6 p.m., during rush hour traffic.

By 11 p.m., the extreme weather is expected to subside, though additional rain could come through until Tuesday morning. The most likely threat will be large hail, but be prepared for weather alerts warning of damaging wind and tornadoes.

Parents of school-aged kids might want to check in with their child's school as some, including Lake Travis ISD and Del Valle ISD, are having early release on Monday. Meanwhile, Austin ISD has canceled after school activities.

This story was updated at 12:18 p.m. to include the new weather threat level is at 4, up from 3 this morning.