This post explains a new round of severe weather expected to impact west Texas and the southern Plains beginning Friday. The system could produce large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding as it strengthens and moves eastward into the Ark-La-Tex region by Saturday.
As an operational meteorologist with three decades of experience, I break down the forecasted hazards and the areas most at risk. Practical steps residents and travelers should take to prepare for multiple rounds of storms over the weekend are also discussed.
Overview of the approaching storm system
The atmosphere will support organized severe storms across west, central, and north Texas on Friday. The system is expected to strengthen into the overnight hours.
Repeated rounds of convection are likely. This raises the odds that the same river valleys and urban corridors could be hit more than once.
By Saturday, the threat is expected to move east into the Ark-La-Tex. Impacts will extend into parts of Arkansas and Louisiana.
The combination of large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, and heavy rainfall creates a multi-hazard event. Emergency managers are monitoring this situation closely.
Which areas are most at risk?
Primary risk corridors include west and central Texas on Friday. The risk spreads into north Texas through Friday night, then expands toward the Ark-La-Tex region on Saturday.
Low-lying areas and recently saturated watersheds in these regions face an elevated flash flood risk. Storms training over the same area can worsen flooding concerns.
Primary hazards: hail, tornadoes and flash flooding
The forecast highlights three main hazards that can occur simultaneously during severe convective outbreaks. Each threat requires different protective actions.
Large hail and strong tornadoes can arrive with little lead time. Flash flooding can develop rapidly from repeated heavy downpours.
Tornado and hail threat specifics
Forecasters warn that supercell thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and tornadoes will be possible across a broad area of Texas. Tornadoes may be embedded in fast-moving storms.
Substantial hail can down power lines, damage roofs and vehicles, and injure people caught outdoors.
Flash flooding and repeated storms
When storms train over the same counties, rainfall totals can accumulate quickly and overwhelm drainage systems. Flash flooding is a life-threatening hazard.
Do not drive through flooded roadways. Move to higher ground if water levels rise near your home.
How to prepare: practical steps for residents and travelers
Preparedness reduces risk.
Take time now to review emergency plans, secure outdoor items, and ensure you can receive timely warnings through multiple channels.
Key preparedness actions include:
Here is the source article for this story: Severe storms could bring flooding, hail to Texas and southern Plains into the weekend | Latest Weather Clips