HOUSTON - The Southeast Texas region is bracing for severe weather today, as tornado threats loom large across the area. On December 26, 2024, the Houston area has been marked as a key site for potential storms, with forecasters predicting heavy rain, lightning, hail, and damaging winds expected from late Thursday morning until the evening. Today has been designated as a FOX 26 Storm Alert Day due to the serious weather threats.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the Houston area is at "slight risk" for severe weather, rated as 2 out of 5 on the severity scale. This evaluation conveys the possibility of tornadoes, especially as conditions develop throughout the day. A Tornado Watch, covering 21 counties, is currently active until 7 p.m., which includes areas such as Austin, Brazoria, and Galveston.
By 2:15 p.m., the NWS issued and later expired tornado warnings for parts of Wharton County. The county has already reported at least three tornado sightings, particularly around the areas of FM 960 and FM 961, according to the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have urged residents and travelers to seek shelter immediately, indicating the tornadoes could be classified as EF-2 or greater, which signifies they may sustain extended ground paths.
El Campo, Texas, located within Wharton County, has been on high alert following these reports. Sheriff Shannon Srubar of Wharton County summarized the conditions succinctly: "There are no reports of severe damage or injuries yet, but we’ll be assessing the situation over the next few hours," he noted during interviews with FOX Weather. This response reiterates the importance of prompt reaction to storm warnings, highlighting local authorities' commitment to ensuring safety.
The day started with dense fog and some drizzle, which rapidly escalated as storms began to build around noon. The NWS is monitoring severe thunderstorms poised to produce supercell formations, which are particularly concerning for embedded tornadoes. Initial forecasts indicated the storm cells were likely to become more organized, posing heightened risks of severe weather later in the afternoon.
Local officials have recommended downloading the FOX 26 Weather app for up-to-the-minute information on the changing weather. This alert system ensures residents have access to timely warnings and live radar to follow the storms' movements accurately.
The severe weather forecast extends beyond Texas. The Storm Prediction Center has designated parts of Southeast Texas, including the Houston metropolitan area, as being under Level 3 out of 5 for severe weather threats. This significant alert encompasses the possibility of tornadoes, substantial hail, and damaging winds as part of any severe storms.
Outside of the immediate threat from tornadoes, the risk of heavy rainfall remains high. Authorities warn of potential flooding from expected precipitation of over one inch, which heightens dangers for roadways and drainage systems. 4 p.m. estimates suggest improvement might occur to the west of Houston, with storms anticipated to move out of the area by around 6:30 p.m.
Interestingly, winter weather doesn't typically bring these severe storm systems to Texas. The last major tornado event affecting the Houston area was back on January 24, 2023, when an EF-3 tornado struck the suburbs of Pasadena and Deer Park, causing injuries and structural damage. At the time, this incident prompted the first-ever Tornado Emergency being issued by the NWS for the Houston area.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has provided forecasts indicating the potential for supercell thunderstorms initially, which later are expected to transform more generically, resulting primarily as squall lines. This changeover signifies the need for constant vigilance among residents, as it indicates the storms' evolution and varying risks.
By addressing these storms head-on, officials implore citizens to stay alert and take action: “If you are in the area, seek shelter immediately,” read one statement from the Wharton County Sheriff's Office as they communicated the threat posed by the tornado sightings. This urgent plea underlines how unpredictable severe weather patterns can be.
Every resident is reminded of the importance of weather preparedness as the region grapples with potentially dangerous situations. Authorities urge residents to remain compliant with all warnings and directives, ensuring safety during this tumultuous weather event. The proactive steps taken today can make all the difference for individuals and families when weather-related emergencies strike.
The severe weather threats remain fluid; updates and developments will be shared as this situation evolves throughout the day. With foresight and proper attention to weather warnings, residents can navigate these dangers effectively and safely.
