Dangerous Tornado Threat Returns to East Texas on Saturday

The final week of 2024 has been extremely active in East Texas...talking about the weather here.

Strong storms and heavy downpours dumped 3-4 inches across the Pineywoods on Christmas Eve. The day following Christmas, severe storms brought scattered damage from straight-line winds and tornadoes from the Houston Metro to Toledo Bend Reservoir.

Dangerous Storms Return on Saturday

The Storm Prediction Center has released its latest outlook for Saturday, and the severe weather threat level has been increased for much of the Gulf South, including eastern sections of Texas.

Much of East Texas, from Tyler to Houston is at a level 2 of 5 risk of severe weather, which includes the possibility of hail, damaging winds and tornados.

The brown-shaded enhanced region is a level 3 of 5 threat. That same area is also at an increased risk of strong tornadoes (EF2 - EF5).

Much of Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as a sliver of the Toledo Bend region of Texas is included in this 'hatched' area.

East Texas Timing of the Storms

Most computer models agree that the greatest likelihood of strong to severe storms in East Texas will occur in the mid-morning to early afternoon hours on Saturday. Hail, damaging straight-line winds, and tornadoes are all in play.

The highest concentration of storms should take place in east of Toledo Bend, however, the threat is still significant across the Pineywoods.

Outlook for the New Year

The good news is that once we get past the storms on Saturday, East Texas should experience dry weather through the first few days of the New Year. High temperatures will still reach into the 70s Saturday through Monday, with a cold front pushing temperatures lower by New Year's Eve.

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