A tornado watch was issued Thursday evening for parts of Texas and Louisiana as a series of powerful thunderstorms unleashed large hail, strong winds and heavy rain across the south-central United States, while causing widespread flight disruptions at major airports.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated the state’s emergency response resources earlier today, anticipating severe weather in the eastern half of the state.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued thunderstorm warnings for north, central, east and southeast Texas, along with flash flood advisories in response to heavy rain.
Extreme weather threatens Texas: risk of hail, flooding and tornado
As the storms developed Thursday, they intensified, moving northeast at speeds of about 40 mph.
Forecasters identified hail and localized flooding as the main risks, although the possibility of an isolated tornado could not be ruled out. By late afternoon, temperatures in Texas are expected to reach near 60°F, with conditions improving later in the day.
A ground stop has been implemented at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) due to severe weather conditions, and flight delays are expected to continue until 1 p.m.
As of Thursday evening, more than 500 flights had been canceled and more than 200 others delayed. Additional delays were reported at other Texas airports, including Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Dallas Love Field.
Texas tornado reported near El Campo
A possible tornado was reported near El Campo in Wharton County, Texas, located about 70 miles southwest of Houston. The tornado, which was spotted moving northeast toward the town of Pierce, damaged some barns. No injuries were reported. Local authorities urged residents to remain cautious and weather aware as the storm system continues its eastward path.
West Coast Weather: Atmospheric River Brings Rain and Snow
Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest faced severe weather from an atmospheric river, bringing heavy rain, snow and strong winds. The National Weather Service warned of 1 to 3 inches of rain in parts of California, Oregon and Washington, raising concerns about flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas affected by recent forest fires.
Blizzard warnings were also issued for the Cascades and Olympic Mountains, where up to 2 feet of snow was expected, with a high risk of avalanches. Travel was strongly discouraged in affected areas as heavy snowfall could lead to hazardous road conditions and power outages.
Impact on travel: ground stops and delays at airports
Flight disruptions were widespread, with ground stops and delays affecting several major airports. In addition to Dallas-Fort Worth and George Bush Intercontinental, San Francisco International Airport has faced delays due to high winds and storms.
Travelers across the United States have been advised to check their flight updates as ongoing storms are expected to continue to affect their holiday travel plans.
Storms are expected to continue moving eastward, with the severe weather threat extending to parts of Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
