TORNADO WATCH and SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH until 7 p.m. Thursday
2:30 p.m. Thursday Update: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for areas along and north of I-20 until 7 p.m. The areas under the watch will be at risk for large hail and damaging wind gusts. A Tornado Watch is also in effect until 7 p.m. for counties and parishes south of I-20 across the Toledo Bend Region. Storms could produce an isolated weak tornado in these areas, with a risk for hail and wind as well.
The round of rain this morning has kept our temperatures in the 50s and low 60s, too cool for any widespread severe weather to develop thus far. If the temperatures remain at this level we may avoid any severe weather this evening, with the exception of large hail and flash flooding. Many areas will receive 2 to 3 inches of rain through 10 p.m. Look for the threat of severe weather to diminish in all areas before midnight.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Severe weather is possible for all areas of the ArkLaTex Thursday afternoon into Thursday night. Damaging wind and tornadoes are expected, with a few instances of large hail and flooding.
Timing and threats: An area of low pressure will zip across Texas Thursday morning pushing a line of storms out of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and into the ArkLaTex by the early afternoon (12-3 p.m.) These storms will quickly become severe with large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes expected as these storms move thorugh the ArkLaTex during the afternoon and evening. The severe weather threat will continue for a few hours after sunset. There is a risk of a strong tornado (EF-2+) if the right conditions can develop. The tornado risk will be slightly higher in deep east Texas and Louisiana, generally areas along and south of Interstate 20.
While the peak hours for severe storms will be during late afternoon and evening, a few storms could linger across our eastern counties and parishes (Columbia, Claiborne, Bienville, Natchitoches) until 10 p.m. or later.
Heavy rain threat: Our ground is already wet from the 1 to 2 inches of rain Christmas Eve into Christmas Day, and we will add another 1 to 3 inches of rain with Thursday’s storms. This could lead to flooded roads at times and rises on area lakes and rivers.
Actions to take: If a Tornado Warning or Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued, be sure you have nearby access to a sturdy shelter. If you live in a home or apartment, get to the lowest level possible and shelter in an interior room like a closet or bathroom putting as many walls between you and the outside to protect yourself from debris storms can blow around. Stay away from windows and doors. A mobile home or vehicle is not a safe place to shelter and should be abandoned.
Friday through next week: Our weather pattern will be warm and dry on Friday, but a few additional showers and thunderstorms will pass through the region on Saturday. Severe weather is looking unlikely. Drier air takes over Sunday, with no rain forecast for next week. Expect cooler temperatures to arrive for the New Year.
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