Alright, Texas—time to pay attention. A major storm system is heading our way this Friday and Saturday, and it’s packing a punch. We’re talking tornadoes, damaging winds, and some seriously intense thunderstorms. If you’ve got weekend plans, you might want to have a backup—or at least keep an eye on the sky.
Meteorologists have been tracking this storm as it builds strength over the Central and Southern Plains, and now, it’s zeroing in on Texas. The National Weather Service (NWS) is already warning that things could get dangerous quickly. Expect strong tornadoes, winds over 70 mph, hail the size of golf balls (or even bigger), and heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding.
Why This Storm Means Business
This isn’t your typical spring thunderstorm. A powerful low-pressure system is mixing with warm, humid Gulf air and strong upper-level winds—basically, all the right ingredients for severe weather. And here’s the really concerning part: a lot of these storms could hit at night, making tornadoes even harder to spot and react to.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has put cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston under an enhanced to moderate risk for severe storms. What does that mean? There’s a solid chance of dangerous weather, and tornadoes are a real threat, especially after dark.
What’s Headed Our Way?
- Tornadoes: The highest risk is in East and Northeast Texas. Some tornadoes could be strong and long-lasting, meaning they could cause serious damage.
- Damaging Winds: Winds over 70 mph are possible—strong enough to take down trees, power lines, and even some structures. If you’ve got anything loose outside, bring it in now.
- Large Hail: Some areas might see hailstones the size of golf balls—or even baseballs. That’s enough to crack car windshields, damage roofs, and injure people and animals.
- Flash Flooding: Heavy rain could lead to quick flooding, especially in low-lying areas. If you see water covering the road, turn around—don’t take the risk!
When and Where Will It Hit?
Here’s a general timeline for when the worst of the storm will hit different areas:
- Friday Afternoon & Evening: Severe storms start popping up across Central and North Texas, hitting places like Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco, and Austin. Expect thunderstorms, hail, and possibly tornadoes.
- Overnight Friday into Early Saturday: The system moves east, bringing dangerous weather to Houston, College Station, and East Texas. The tornado threat will still be high, especially at night.
- Saturday: The storm shifts toward Louisiana and Mississippi, but Southeast Texas could still see some leftover rough weather.
How to Prepare & Stay Safe
This storm could turn dangerous fast, so now’s the time to get ready. Here’s what you should do:
Stay Informed: Set up weather alerts on your phone, follow local news, and keep a NOAA weather radio nearby.
Know Your Safe Spot: If a tornado warning is issued, head to an interior room without windows on the lowest level of your home. If you live in a mobile home, make arrangements to be somewhere safer before the storm arrives.
Stock Up on Essentials: Have flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, and important documents in a safe spot. Power outages could last for hours—or even days.
Charge Your Devices: Make sure your phone, power banks, and any medical equipment are fully charged ahead of time.
Secure Outdoor Items: Patio furniture, trash cans, and other loose objects can turn into dangerous projectiles in high winds.
Texas, this storm isn’t something to brush off. Now’s the time to get ready—before things get serious. Stay weather-aware, check the forecast regularly, and don’t ignore warnings.
