The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Tornado Watch for several parts of southeast Texas and the Pineywoods region. The watch is effective until 9:00 p.m. tonight as dangerous storms are expected to develop throughout the afternoon and evening.
Areas Included in the Tornado Watch
The following Texas counties are under the Tornado Watch until 9 p.m.:
- Brazoria
- Chambers
- Fort Bend
- Galveston
- Hardin
- Harris
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Liberty
- Montgomery
- Newton
- Orange
- Polk
- San Jacinto
- Tyler
Earlier today, a separate Tornado Watch was also issued for these Pineywoods counties, effective until 7:00 p.m.:
- Angelina
- Nacogdoches
- Sabine
- San Augustine
- Shelby
- Panola
Counties Not Currently Included
As of now, Trinity, Houston, and Cherokee Counties are not included in the current watch area. However, residents in these areas should still stay weather-aware, as conditions can change rapidly.
Severe Weather Threat This Afternoon and Evening
Meteorologists are tracking a strong storm system moving through eastern, northeastern, and southeastern Texas, with the potential to spread into Louisiana and Arkansas by this evening.
The weather setup is highly unstable and humid, creating a risk for:
- Tornadoes – Some could be EF2 or stronger
- Damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph
- Large to very large hail
Highest Risk Area for Widespread Severe Weather
While many areas across Texas are under threat, the greatest concern for widespread severe weather is further east — particularly in eastern Arkansas and western Tennessee later tonight.
The tornado watch area includes regions 70 miles east and west of a line stretching from 75 miles north of Port Arthur to 25 miles south of Houston, Texas.
Stay Safe and Alert
Residents in watch zones should prepare now. Charge your devices, review your tornado safety plan, and be ready to take cover if a Tornado Warning is issued. If you are not in the current watch zone but live nearby, stay alert to updates, as conditions can shift fast.
