Multiple Tornadoes Strike Texas as Deadly Storm Threat Expands Across the South
Several tornadoes touched down in southeastern Texas on Thursday, December 26, as severe thunderstorms swept through the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed at least three tornado sightings, with significant damage reported in Wharton County, where a tornado hit near Highway 59, causing damage to several barns. Another brief tornado was reported in Meadows, just outside Harris County, while a waterspout over Lake Houston moved onto land near Huffman. A separate tornado sighting was also confirmed northwest of Dayton. Fortunately, no significant injuries or fatalities have been reported, but an impact assessment is ongoing.
Severe Weather Continues: Enhanced Risk
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued an enhanced risk warning for severe thunderstorms across East Texas, the Lower Mississippi Valley, and parts of the Tennessee Valley on Saturday, December 27. Forecasters predict an active day of severe weather, with large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes, including the potential for strong EF2+ tornadoes.
Meteorologists warn that a potent southern-stream shortwave trough will pass through the southern Plains, strengthening winds in the lower atmosphere. This setup will create an environment conducive to severe weather, particularly as storms develop later in the afternoon.
Large Hail: Early storms will likely produce large hail, especially within isolated supercells.
Damaging Winds: As storms organize into lines or bowing structures, the risk of widespread damaging winds will increase.
Tornadoes: Tornadoes, including strong EF2+ tornadoes, are expected to become more likely as the evening progresses, fueled by intensifying low-level wind shear.
Severe storms are expected to develop in East Texas and the ArkLaTex region by Saturday afternoon. As the day progresses, storms will intensify and move eastward, with a heightened risk for strong tornadoes and damaging winds. The severe weather threat may continue into Sunday morning, affecting parts of Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, and the Cumberland Plateau.
Residents in these areas should stay alert and monitor weather updates closely, as tornado watches, warnings, and severe thunderstorm advisories are likely to be issued. The combination of strong winds and significant tornado potential makes this a potentially life-threatening weather event.
Stay tuned for further updates as this severe weather event unfolds.
Chief forecaster and ideologist of the weather forecast service Pogodnik. Co-author of scientific articles and specialized content for various online media.
