Houston Area Faces Another Severe Weather Risk Saturday
HOUSTON – Thursday’s severe weather, which included several confirmed tornadoes across the Houston area, has given way to calmer conditions on Friday. However, another round of severe storms is possible on Saturday.
While the threat to Houston is lower than Thursday’s, the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and even a tornado or two remains. The greatest risk of severe weather will be across Louisiana and Mississippi. Parts of the Houston area are under a slight risk, with an approaching cold front expected to trigger thunderstorm development. To the east, in Louisiana and Mississippi, the risk is significantly higher, with a considerable threat of tornadoes.
For the immediate Houston area, while the threat is lessened, it’s not eliminated. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely Saturday morning, especially east and along the coast. By noon, more showers and storms will develop across the region. Models predict strong storms, possibly supercells capable of producing all types of severe weather, developing near the Louisiana border. Some models indicate these storms could form closer to Houston, but the exact location and intensity remain uncertain. Any storms developing ahead of the cold front will require close monitoring.
Our severe weather threat will decrease in the mid-afternoon as the cold front moves through. Any storms associated with the cold front itself will pose a much lower severe weather risk than storms forming ahead of it.
In short, the most significant severe weather threat will be east of Houston. However, Houston-area residents should still remain vigilant and monitor weather conditions, as stronger storms could still develop locally. Following Saturday, several days of pleasant weather are expected before a slight chance of rain returns for New Year’s Day.