Parts of Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas are under severe weather warnings, as the National Weather Service predicts that a storm system in the Gulf of Mexico could bring strong winds, hail and possible tornadoes to the region.
Parts of Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas were under severe weather warnings early Friday as the National Weather Service predicted that a storm system in the Gulf of Mexico could bring strong winds, hail and possible tornadoes to the region.
“Heavy rain and thunderstorms continue to move across Louisiana and Gulf waters at this time, with SETX clear for the remainder of tonight. Please stay safe everyone,” the weather service office in Lake Charles, Louisiana, posted on social platform X shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday.
The weather service issued a tornado warning late Thursday afternoon for parts of Texas northeast of Houston, meaning weather radar indicated a tornado was in the area. There were no immediate reports of damage.
After a line of thunderstorms began moving through parts of Texas, more than 100 flights were delayed and dozens more were canceled at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Delays and cancellations related to thunderstorms were also reported at Love Field in Dallas and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, according to FlightAware, an aviation company that tracks flights around the world.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated the state's emergency response resources due to the increasing threat of severe weather conditions. “As Texans and out-of-state visitors begin traveling after the Christmas holidays, it is crucial that everyone regularly monitor road conditions, develop an emergency plan, and heed guidance from state officials and locals,” Abbott said in a statement.
The greatest weather risk was forecast for a stretch of Texas east of Dallas, between Houston and parts of southern Arkansas and western and northern Louisiana, said Brian Hurley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.