TORNADO WATCH ISSUED: EF2+ Tornadoes Are Possible in East Texas

The Storm Prediction Center has enhanced the threat of severe weather in East Texas. Rapidly changing atmospheric conditions have given rise to the possibility of widespread severe weather across east and southeast Texas today (12/26).

The brown, shaded area indicates the area with the highest probability of severe storms today through this evening.

Storm Prediction Center/NWS

Unfortunately, that same area also has a raised risk of strong tornadoes (EF2 - EF5). This is indicated in the hatched area in the map below.

Storm Prediction Center/NWS

If you take a look at the two maps below, you'll notice that enhanced region includes cities such as Houston, Pearland, Livingston, Jasper, Woodville, San Augustine and Lufkin.

Lake Charles NWS

Shreveport NWS

EF2 twisters have winds estimated at 111+ mph, EF3 tornadoes begin at 136 mph. See the entire Fujita scale here.

Tornado Watch Details

The watch includes Angelina, Nacogdoches, and the entire Deep East Texas region along with the Greater Houston Metro.

NWS

The watch is active immediately and continues until 7 this evening. Primary threats include a few tornadoes likely with a couple of intense tornadoes possible. Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible.
Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible.

Scattered supercell development is expected across southeast Texas through the afternoon/evening, and storms will spread northeastward into east-central Texas. The storm environment will support the potential for several tornadoes, including a strong
(EF2+) tornado or two, along with large hail of 1-2 inches in diameter and isolated severe outflow gusts of 60-70 mph.

Make all necessary arrangements and planning in the event of a tornado moving near your location or residence.