Waco, Texas – More than 2 million residents across eastern Texas, northern Louisiana, and southern Arkansas remain under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. CDT Wednesday, as severe storms push through the region with damaging winds and large hail.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, a few tornadoes are likely across the watch area, which includes Waco, College Station, Corsicana, Lufkin, Shreveport, and parts of southwest Arkansas. Gusts up to 70 mph and hail up to two inches in diameter could accompany these storms through the evening commute.
Cities such as Tyler, Palestine, and Brenham are in the direct path of rotating thunderstorms capable of producing fast-developing tornadoes. Highway corridors like I-35, I-45, and I-49 may see sudden visibility drops and debris hazards. Emergency officials urge residents to stay weather-aware and keep phones charged, especially in areas where mobile alerts might be the first warning.
This is Tornado Watch #198 issued today. It impacts over 1,000 schools and 85 hospitals across three states, increasing the urgency for early sheltering if warnings are issued.
Storm risks will persist until at least 8 p.m., and additional warnings may follow as new cells form along the boundary.
