Deadly Tornado Outbreak Possible For East Texas, Watch Issued

Dangerous, Life-Threatening Tornado Outbreak

The Storm Prediction Center is warning residents of several Gulf States from Texas to Alabama to be prepared for a dangerous severe weather outbreak on Saturday.

In addition to damaging straight-line winds of 70 mph or greater, large hail, and isolated flooding, numerous tornadoes are expected to develop over the course of today and tonight. Unfortunately, some of these twisters could be strong (EF2 to EF5) and/or long-track.

The hatched area in the map above represents the region with the highest probability of those intense, long-track tornadoes.

Tornado Watch Now Issued

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Tornado Watch for Angelina, Nacogdoches, and all surrounding counties until 3 p.m.

Forecasters expect a few tornadoes with a couple of intense tornadoes possible. There will be scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible. Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph are also possible.

An additional tornado watch will be likely later in the day as the greater 'strong' tornado threat will increase this afternoon and evening. However, a few are still possible in this watch region this morning and early afternoon.

Severe Storm Timing for East Texas

Several downpours and storms have already developed and passed through Deep East Texas. They should become more frequent as we enter the mid-morning and early-afternoon hours.

East Texas could experience storms, many of them severe, throughout most of the daylight hours today. This morning, meteorologists have already painted East Texas as having a heightened tornado potential.

Emergency management officials are advising residents within these threatened regions to have plans in place should tornadoes approach. The Storm Prediction Center has a great checklist here.

This has the potential to be a life-threatening severe weather outbreak today. Please keep up to date with changing conditions and weather alerts. Listen to our station for Emergency Alerts from the National Weather Service and download our app to have weather alerts sent to your smartphone. 

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