Houston, Texas – A Tornado Watch is in effect until 9 p.m. CST Saturday as severe storms capable of producing tornadoes sweep across Southeast and East Texas.
The watch includes Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery and Galveston counties, along with a wide stretch of East Texas from Angelina and Nacogdoches counties to Jefferson, Orange and Hardin counties near the Louisiana border. Coastal counties including Brazoria, Matagorda and Chambers are also under the watch.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, conditions are favorable for tornadoes, damaging wind gusts and large hail through the evening hours. Storms may intensify quickly, especially along and east of Interstate 45 and near the Interstate 10 corridor from Houston to Beaumont.
Communities including Houston, Pasadena, Sugar Land, Conroe, Galveston, Beaumont, Lufkin and Longview should closely monitor warnings. A Tornado Watch means tornadoes are possible. If a Tornado Warning is issued, move immediately to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
Heavy downpours could also cause brief street flooding, particularly in urban areas. Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways and remain alert for sudden visibility drops.
Charge mobile devices now and ensure multiple ways to receive warnings, including NOAA Weather Radio and local alerts. Outdoor plans this evening should have a shelter option ready.
