East Texas Now Included In Severe Weather Risk on Saturday

The threat of severe weather has now been included in the forecast for Saturday for all of East Texas. In the latest outlook from the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, Oklahoma, an approaching cold front is expected to kick off strong to severe storms as it interacts with the above-normal temperatures and elevated dew points present throughout the Pineywoods.

What Type of Severe Weather Can East Texas Expect?

Damaging winds gusting to over 50 mph are the only hazards currently listed by forecasters. The risk of hail and tornadoes is not mentioned in the latest SPC discussions; however, that may change in upcoming outlooks.

The Timing of Saturday's Storms

Rain chances in the Lufkin/Nacogdoches area will increase to about 55% by daybreak on Saturday. Those probabilities will increase near 100% by lunchtime and stay elevated all the way through late Saturday evening. The best chance of severe storms in the Pineywoods is expected to happen sometime between 5 pm and midnight on Saturday. So, you may want to plan accordingly if you're heading out to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Relief For The Area Drought

Most of Deep East Texas is considered to be experiencing 'severe drought' according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The National Weather Service is forecasting that much of East Texas will receive between an inch and an inch and a half of rainfall from Saturday's storms. The biggest rainfall totals should occur between Texarkana and Hot Springs, Arkansas.

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