Tornado Watch Now In Effect For Much of East Texas

The Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma has issued a Tornado Watch for 35 counties in Texas. The watch area encompasses much of the Brazos Valley, Houston Metro, and the East Texas Pineywoods. The Tornado Watch is in effect until 7 pm this evening.

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The Following Counties Are Included In The Tornado Watch

Anderson, Angelina, Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Cherokee, Falls, Fort Bend, Freestone, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Leon, Liberty, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Panola, Polk, Robertson, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, Washington

What To Expect This Afternoon/Evening

Thunderstorms have been increasing in coverage and intensity since mid-morning, especially west of Houston and south of Bryan/College Station. More storm cells are expected to develop and move into east and southeast Texas throughout the afternoon and evening. These scattered cells are racing ahead of a solid line of storms associated with an approaching cold front. As a result, some locations could receive multiple rounds of strong to severe storms.

Please keep aware of the weather throughout this afternoon and evening. Tornadoes, hail up to two inches in diameter, and damaging straight-line winds with gusts to 70 mph are all possible in the watch area. That threat will shift into Louisiana by the evening hours. Widespread flooding is NOT expected to be an issue; however, recurring downpours could bring an inch or two of rain to some locations.