Tornado threats dampen Houston's Halloween

HOUSTON – Tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for most of southeast Texas on Wednesday.

Forecasters warned of severe thunderstorms as a front moves through southeast Texas on Halloween night.

At 10 p.m., CenterPoint Energy said about 65,000 customers were without power in the Houston area.

Multiple tornado warnings were issued by the National Weather Service, but most expired by 9 p.m.

A tornado watch was in effect until 10 p.m. for most of the Houston region. Another tornado watch was issued for Brazoria, Chambers and Galveston counties until 11 p.m.

According to the Weather Service, a tornado was reported by emergency managers in the Eagle Lake area and near the intersection of FM Road 5279 and Agnes Road.

Viewers sent in videos of the tornado and we put them in this article below.

This is what a storm that had a tornado warning issued on it looked like as it moved over the KPRC2 studios on Wednesday afternoon.

HIGH WATER LOCATIONS

  • US-290 NORTHWEST Eastbound At FM-529
  • SH-249 Southbound At HARDIN STORE RD
  • IH-45 NORTH Southbound At IH-10 KATY

VIDEOS

Wednesday's forecast

For the remainder of Halloween evening, the greatest weather threat will be damaging wind and hail from severe storms ahead of a cold front approaching from the northwest.

Forecasters said a few tornadoes are possible with storms that develop, as well as ping-pong-ball-sized hail and winds of 70 mph.

Some storms are possible when most people go trick-or-treating and it is important to check the radar before heading out. Some storms could become severe. The Houston area is under an enhanced risk of severe weather, which means high winds, hail and isolated tornadoes are possible.

The front begins arriving in the northern counties at about 7 p.m. with the bulk of the rain hitting the city around 9 to 10 p.m. Coastal counties will see storms starting about midnight Thursday. The cold front will clear the coast by 3 a.m. Thursday, giving way to a cool and brisk day.

Afternoon storms already produced over two inches of rain in some areas. An additional two inches or more is possible with storms moving through Halloween night. Rainfall amounts will be between 1 and 2 inches for many locations, but isolated areas of 3 to 4 inches are possible. That means street flooding could be a problem for some drivers who are out in the evening.

Behind the front, temperatures will tumble. Expect to wake up Thursday morning to temperatures in the 50s with afternoon highs only in the upper 60s. Clouds will break up during the day, and we should have partly to mostly sunny skies through Thursday afternoon.

After the front passes, temperatures will plummet. Highs on Thursday will only get into the upper 60s, with temperatures in the upper 40s by Friday morning.


About the Authors:

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.