Key Highlights
- Around 167,000 Centerpoint customers experienced power outages due to high winds from the storm.
- An EF-0 tornado was confirmed near Anderson, Texas, causing damage in Grimes County.
- Another round of storms is expected to hit southeast Texas tonight, with the worst weather reaching Bryan/College Station around 6-9pm and Houston’s downtown area by 10-11pm.
- A flood watch continues until early Sunday due to the ongoing storm threat.
Storms Continue Their Wrath on Southeast Texas
The second round of storms is expected to move through southeast Texas tonight, following a series of severe weather events that have already caused significant damage and disruptions. According to FOX 26 Houston Weather, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Tornado Watch for areas east of Texas, with warnings in Louisiana as well.
The storms that hit early Saturday morning brought winds above 50 mph, knocking out power to more than 167,000 Centerpoint customers. High winds also downed trees and caused some power lines to fall in various spots. The aftermath of the storm included a confirmed EF-0 tornado near Anderson, Texas, at approximately 2:30 am on Saturday morning.
EF-0 Tornado Confirmed Near Anderson
The National Weather Service reported that an EF-0 tornado touched down in Grimes County, near the city of Anderson. This incident highlights the severity and unpredictability of the ongoing weather conditions. The confirmed tornado has caused damage to several homes in the area, emphasizing the importance of preparedness during such events.
Next Round of Storms: Timing and Impact
The second round of storms is expected to bring further challenges tonight. The worst of the weather is anticipated to reach Bryan/College Station around 6-9 pm, with the downtown Houston area facing its peak between 10-11 pm. The offshore regions are also likely to experience heavy conditions after midnight.
Given these forecasts, a flood watch remains in effect until early Sunday morning. Residents and businesses should remain vigilant and prepare for potential flooding, especially those in low-lying areas or flood-prone zones.
Weather Forecast: Relief to Follow
Fans of cooler weather can look forward to a refreshing cool front that is expected to bring pleasant temperatures by next week. The forecast suggests that lows could drop into the 50s and possibly even reach some 40s by Friday morning, offering relief from the recent hot conditions.
The weekend following the stormy period will see cooler and drier weather, with Halloween shaping up to be cool and dry. The low temperatures are expected to be among the coolest since early April, providing a stark contrast to the previous weeks of warmer weather.
Tropical Weather Update: Melissa’s Approach
In other weather news, Tropical Storm Melissa has intensified into a hurricane and is forecasted to become a major hurricane within 24 hours. The slow movement of this storm will cause significant flooding in Jamaica before the high winds impact the island early next week. According to the Weather Wells Fargo, Jamaica could experience up to 48 hours of hurricane-force winds, which is uncommon for such an extended duration.
The storm is expected to move quickly into the Atlantic Ocean without affecting the Gulf Coast, ensuring that residents in those areas can breathe a sigh of relief. However, the forecasters advise Jamaicans and other Caribbean nations to prepare thoroughly for the coming days, as this hurricane could pose significant challenges.
