severe thunderstorm warning: Severe thunderstorm warning for Texas, Oklahoma: Flash floods, tornado threat loom as massive storms sweep Southern Plains
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center placed parts of West and Central Texas at a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms on Friday; main hazards include large hail and high winds. This area includes the San Antonio and Austin metro areas. Oklahoma and Dallas are included in Friday’s flash flood threat because the rain produced by these storms will increase due to tropical moisture from the Gulf.
A severe storm warning was issued for Crane, Pecos, Upton and Culberson counties in Texas on Friday afternoon. Other parts of the state and Oklahoma were placed under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch. Heavy rain is expected Saturday afternoon in Houston, East Texas and West Louisiana, and Lake Charles.
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Heavy rain expected in Texas
Located over Persimmon Gap, approximately 17 miles north of Panther Junction, the storm moved eastward at 35 mph. With winds of up to 60 miles per hour and hailstones as large as one-quarter, the storm has the potential to cause significant damage to property and infrastructure and pose a risk to public safety. As this severe weather system progresses, tourists in the area are asked to take immediate safety measures to protect themselves.
Brewster County is home to some of Texas’ most iconic attractions, including the vast and picturesque Big Bend National Park, one of the largest national parks in the United States. This natural gem attracts visitors with its dramatic desert landscapes, hiking trails and stargazing opportunities. Visitors to the park are encouraged to monitor local weather updates and seek shelter should storms reach the area.
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Severe weather and flood risk shifts eastward on Saturday
As the low pressure system slowly drifts eastward this weekend, the heaviest rainfall will move with it. A Level 2 severe weather risk is expected to expand into the Ark-La-Tex region on Saturday, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding as storms move through the same areas repeatedly. The FOX Forecast Center predicts widespread rainfall totals of 1-3 inches through Sunday in Oklahoma, North and East Texas, Southern Arkansas and Louisiana, with localized amounts to exceed 3-5 inches in areas hit repeatedly by storms.
Following heavy rain that began Thursday, additional storms hit Kansas, Oklahoma, North Texas (including the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area) and central Texas on Friday morning. The severe weather also sparked several house fires in North Texas as lightning lit up the sky. Multiple structure fires were reported in North Texas early Friday following severe storms, and fire officials confirmed at least some of the fires were lightning-related.
