AUSTIN (KXAN) — You know the saying: ‘April showers bring May flowers’. A wetter-than-normal pattern is likely in Texas through early April, hopefully making a dent in our extreme drought, and lowering pollen totals!

It’s not just the Lone Star State; several storm systems will bring mountain snow, heavy rain, and the potential for severe weather across the country into the upcoming weekend, Saturday, April 4 through 5.

Severe Weather

The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted parts of the Southern Plains, Great Plains, and Midwest for potential severe weather on Friday. There is a level 3/5 (Enhanced) risk for cities such as St. Joseph, Ottumwa, Kirksville, Moberly, and Indianola.

There is a growing concern for large hail, damaging winds, and an isolated tornado in the highlighted area.

There is a level 2/5 (Slight) risk for cities such as Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Tulsa, Des Moines, and Overland Park on Friday.

Texas Travel

Traveling in Texas this weekend for Easter Sunday? Bring an umbrella and a rain jacket! Scattered thunderstorms, including a few strong-to-severe storms, are possible.

A strong cold front arrives on Saturday afternoon, bringing widespread rain chances. There is a level 1/5 (Marginal) risk for cities such as Houston, Shreveport, Jackson, Cleveland, and Buffalo.

High temperatures on Sunday will be cooler than normal. In Austin, we’ll likely remain in the 60s.

Wet Pattern

The Climate Prediction Center has high confidence in a wetter-than-normal pattern continuing through mid-April.

A few cold shots of late winter air will cool down parts of the Midwest and Northeast in the next week, with some late-season snow possible. Most of the country is trending warmer-than-normal.

AUSTIN, Texas — The owner of two renowned Mexican restaurants in Austin has purchased local southern food institution Hoover’s Cooking, and plans to open a taquería on the property are in the works.

According to a report from the Austin American-Statesman, Este and Suerte owner Sam Hellman-Mass finalized the purchase of the Manor Road staple this week.

Hoover Alexander has operated Hoover’s Cooking for nearly 30 years, bringing comfort food classics to North Austin. The chef and Austin native recently announced his retirement, with the restaurant set to close May 31.

While there are popular taco dishes on the menu at both Este and Suerte, Hellman-Mass and executive chef Fermín Núñez plan to build an outpost devoted to tacos at the east end of the Hoover’s lot.

Plans for the building that was home to Hoover’s have not yet been determined.

As for Hoover’s legacy, Hellman-Mass told the Statesman he plans to work with Hoover to commemorate him as he retires, calling him “a paragon of character and hospitality.”