Severe storms swept across southeastern Texas on December 26, 2024, spawning multiple tornadoes as part of a broader weather threat impacting the South. Emergency managers in Wharton County, southwest of Houston, reported three tornadoes, including one near Highway 59 that caused damage to barns. Tornado sightings were also confirmed near Houston, with brief touchdowns in Meadows and waterspouts transitioning to land near Huffman and Dayton. Fortunately, no significant injuries or severe damage have been reported so far.
By late evening, the tornado threat moved eastward toward western Louisiana, where a Tornado Watch remains active. The NOAA Storm Prediction Center maintains a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather threat for the region, warning of large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes. A renewed and potentially stronger severe weather threat is forecast for Saturday across parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama, with strong tornadoes, hail, and winds anticipated.
While severe weather in winter may seem unusual, the Houston area last experienced a strong tornado in January 2023, when an EF-3 tornado caused significant damage and injuries in Pasadena and Deer Park. Residents across the South are urged to stay vigilant and monitor updates closely.
