ABC13 Weather Alert Day: Tornado Watch issued for majority of SE Texas

Thursday, December 26, 2024 6:22PM
Weather Alert Day declared for Thursday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Tornado Watch is in effect until 7 p.m. for almost all of Southeast Texas on this ABC13 Weather Alert Day. Thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, including a few intense tornadoes of EF-2 strength or greater, are possible. Storms could also bring large hail up to golf ball size and wind gusts up to 70 mph.



As temperatures warm into the low 70s, the atmosphere will ramp up with the chance for severe weather. Widely scattered showers and storms developed in the late morning hours. By the afternoon these storms will intensify and could produce damaging winds, half dollar size hail and even tornadoes. The tornadoes risk in increasing for Southeast Texas where a Tornado Watch will likely be issued for the afternoon and evening.



What do I need to know about the ABC13 Weather Alert for Thursday?


We have declared an ABC13 Weather Alert Day for Thursday ahead of another weather system that will bring strong to severe storms to Southeast Texas. The Storm Prediction Center has much of the region under an Enhanced risk for Thursday as storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes. There is even the chance for a tornado of EF2 strength or greater today in Houston and areas north and east of the city. Additionally, some instances of street flooding are also possible. A Tornado Watch is now in effect until 7 p.m. These storms will be gone by Thursday night but another storm system will move in Saturday and give us another chance for storms.



How's the last weekend of 2024 shaping up?


After an active and stormy Christmas, the last weekend of 2024 looks much quieter. While we cant rule out a stray shower or storm, Saturday and Sunday will be partly cloudy and warm with afternoon high temperatures in the upper 70s.



What about New Year's Eve?


Another holiday, another day to keep an eye on the forecast, but this time it's for a cool down. A cold front is expected to move through New Year's Eve. This isn't expected to be a stormy front but it will send temperatures back down into chilly territory for the New Year.



When could we get our first freeze in Houston?


We see no signs of freezing temperatures in southeast Texas over the next 10 days. Long-range projections indicate a pattern change is coming to kick off the new year that should lead to chillier weather and chance for a freeze during the first two weeks of January. On average, Houston's first freeze occurs during the second week of December.





We're tracking storms for Christmas Eve, but most of us may not see them until after the sun sets. The ABC13 weather team has the timing.



13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:


Southeast Texas


Houston


Harris County


Galveston County


Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties


Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties


Brazoria/Matagorda Counties



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