AUSTIN, Texas — Severe thunderstorms that moved through Central Texas Tuesday night left behind downed trees, power outages, and damage across parts of the area.

Scenes from the storms showed powerful winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning moving through the region.

In Georgetown, damage could be seen at a gas station where Chalmer Williams took shelter as the storm moved through.

“If you see the video, the cashier who was in front of me was trying to signal people to come inside,” Williams said. “Luckily, she lets me in, and in my mind I’m thinking ‘man, maybe this isn’t just a thunderstorm,’” he said.

As conditions worsened, Williams said he became more concerned about what was happening outside.

“Especially when the roof of the gas station started to come off, I’m like ‘man, maybe I’m in the middle of a tornado and don’t even know it,’” Williams said.

Meteorologists say the storms were strong, but also fairly well predicted.

“The storm moved into the Austin area and the I-35 corridor right at 9 o’clock, and that was basically what time the model suggested would happen,” said Troy Kimmel, an incident response meteorologist.

RELATED| Severe thunderstorms cause widespread power outages, downed trees across Central Texas

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The storms quickly caused problems across the area.

Off Barton Springs Road in Austin, a man was critically injured after a tree fell on him outside Green Mesquite BBQ. The restaurant was closed on Wednesday.

At one point, more than 5,400 Austin Energy customers were without power. Most people have since had their power restored.

Kimmel said straight-line winds can sometimes cause more widespread damage than people realize.

“The straight lines wind do what? They spread out, and they can cause more damage over a wider area. It can affect utilities, bring down trees, and, of course, the power lines over a wider area,” Kimmel said.

On Berry Creek Drive, the ground underneath part of the roadway was washed away, creating additional traffic issues tied to the weather.

With more rain chances in the forecast this week, meteorologists are urging Central Texans to stay weather aware.

For Williams, the experience was a reminder that safety comes first during severe weather.

“There’s going to be hardships, and sometimes we just want to fight through it like I was on I-35,” Williams said. “The best answer is to seek refuge, to seek safety, to seek comfort, and then when it’s time, get back out there and fight.”

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A fifth person has died after a deadly wrong-way crash involving multiple vehicles in Sabine Pass, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Troopers said 22-year-old Caleb Burge, who was rushed to a Beaumont hospital after the accident on Monday afternoon, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.

ORIGINAL REPORT: 4 killed in multi-vehicle crash in Sabine Pass, according to Department of Public Safety

Four other people were declared dead at the scene immediately following the wreck, including 28-year-old Cesar Rojas, 27-year-old Emmanuel Reynosa Rivas, 28-year-old Angel Dominguez, and 27-year-old Osvaldo Alvarez.

At least seven others were taken to area hospitals after the crash involving a Chevy van, Prevost bus and Audi sedan. Investigators said the van crossed into the oncoming lane and crashed into the bus. After the impact, the van went into a ditch, and the Audi hit the rear of the bus, investigators said.

Troopers did not release additional details, and the crash is still under investigation.

The Texas A&M softball team fought all season long, and while the year ended earlier than they hoped, the Aggies still produced several standout moments. At the center of those bright spots was junior utility star Mya Perez, who on Tuesday was named to Softball America’s All‑American Second Team, adding another major accolade to one of the best offensive seasons in the country.

Perez spent much of the year getting the full Barry Bonds treatment. Opponents refused to give her anything to hit, instead pitching around her, walking her, or simply wearing pitches off her elbow guard. While the approach could be frustrating, Perez never wavered from her plan.

“I just stay patient, stick to my plan, and be ready for the pitch I do get to hit.”

That discipline paid off in historic fashion. Perez became the only Division I softball player to reach base in 55 straight games this season, while also setting a program record with 31 walks. Even with limited opportunities, she still delivered elite production, finishing second on the team with 19 home runs and leading the Aggies in nearly every major offensive category:

• Batting average – .414
• OPS – 1.495
• SLG% – .893
• OB% – .602

Perez has long been one of the most gifted hitters to come through Texas A&M, and this honor only reinforces her status as one of the nation’s premier offensive threats. Despite the constant attention from opposing staffs, she continued to produce at an All‑American level, a testament to her patience, power, and maturity at the plate.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.