Potential Weather Hazards for Texas-Gulf Coast this Weekend: Scattered Tornadoes and Flash Flooding Forecasted

Potential Weather Hazards for Texas-Gulf Coast this Weekend: Scattered Tornadoes and Flash Flooding Forecasted

A severe weather threat is impacting southern Texas this weekend with cities like San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Corpus Christi all in the zone for powerful storms. The cities could see damaging winds and scattered tornadoes and there is a risk of flash flooding.

That flood risk slides east along the Gulf Coast over the weekend, leading to a soaker of a Sunday for New Orleans and much of Louisiana. 

PHOTO: severe weather threat graphic

The storm threat comes after powerful storms and more than 20 tornadoes ripped through the South and Midwest this past week, killing 3 people and injuring at least 38. The tornadoes damaged over 100 homes in Indiana, officials confirmed.

In Colorado, heavy snow is impacting the Denver area with over 60 inches dumped in Aspen over the last two days.

For the rest of this weekend, the heaviest snow shifts a bit to the south of Aspen, with the mountains of southern Colorado and central/western New Mexico seeing 6 to 12 inches of snow through Sunday night.  

PHOTO: snowfall forecast weather graphic

In the eastern U.S., temperatures have been above average nearly the entire winter, but that’s going to change next week as a late-winter chill moves in from the north. While this won’t be as brutal of a cold snap as the kind you get in January, temperatures are still set to drop below freezing for several states. 

PHOTO: late season chill weather graphic

The colder weather comes with mainly quiet conditions, with no major storms on the immediate horizon from the Midwest to the Northeast.

The Texas Gulf Coast is no stranger to severe weather, and this weekend is shaping up to be no exception. The National Weather Service has issued a warning for potential weather hazards in the region, including scattered tornadoes and flash flooding.

Tornadoes are a common occurrence in Texas, especially during the spring and summer months when warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cooler, drier air from the north. This clash of air masses can create the perfect conditions for tornado formation. The National Weather Service is forecasting scattered tornadoes in the Texas Gulf Coast region this weekend, so residents should be prepared to take shelter if necessary.

In addition to tornadoes, flash flooding is also a concern for the area. Heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage systems and cause rivers and streams to overflow their banks. Flash flooding can be particularly dangerous because it can occur with little warning, making it difficult for residents to evacuate in time. It is important for residents in flood-prone areas to have a plan in place and to stay informed about weather conditions throughout the weekend.

To stay safe during severe weather events, it is important to have a plan in place and to stay informed about weather conditions. Here are some tips for staying safe during potential tornadoes and flash flooding:

– Have a designated safe place in your home where you can take shelter during a tornado. This could be a basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest level of your home.
– Keep an emergency kit stocked with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.
– Stay informed about weather conditions by monitoring local news outlets, weather apps, and the National Weather Service website.
– If you are driving during a severe weather event, avoid flooded roads and seek higher ground if you encounter rising water.
– Follow any evacuation orders issued by local authorities and have a plan in place for where you will go and how you will stay safe.

By taking these precautions and staying informed about potential weather hazards, residents of the Texas Gulf Coast can stay safe during severe weather events this weekend. Remember, it is always better to be prepared than caught off guard when it comes to severe weather.