JACKSON, Miss. – Just days after tornadoes tore through parts of the South, the region is once again facing the threat of dangerous storm surges that have already spawned more tornadoes.
Multiple tornadoes again touched down in southeast Texas on the outskirts of Houston on Saturday morning, causing significant damage.
Drone video showed several buildings damaged in Porter Heights, north of Houston.
Observers reported that several mobile homes were struck, and the tornado caused extensive damage to a brick home and a fire department building in east Montgomery, according to the National Weather Service office in Houston.
A photo taken near the Houston suburb of Katy showed a funnel hovering above the ground.
Observers reported damage to a mobile home park near Noel Lane.
There were other reports of tornadoes near the cities of Cypress and Liverpool. NWS Houston reported that several homes sustained damage between Alvin and Liverpool.
A tornado was also reported Saturday morning near Oreta, Louisiana, where officials said the tornado was captured on video.
Current status
Forecasters urged millions from Texas to the Carolinas and south to Florida to be cautious this weekend.
Storms were already rolling in Saturday morning from Texas to Mississippi, and several tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings were in effect.
Watches have also been issued for parts of at least five states.
A watch means that conditions are ripe for severe weather to develop and people should be prepared to take action if a warning is issued.
Long-range tornadoes are possible on Saturday
A Level 4 severe weather area has been designated for Saturday and includes parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The Tier 3 area extends from Texas to Florida.
“This is like a classic tornado day,” FOX Weather Storm Tracker Brandon Copic of South Mississippi said early Saturday afternoon. “You can feel it in the air through the surrounding environment. It was definitely a weird feeling this morning and the amount of sunshine we saw — and the clouds breaking are definitely very concerning.”
Large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes are possible with any severe storms that develop from late Saturday morning into Saturday night. Some strong tornadoes, i.e. EF-2 or higher, are also possible. However, forecasters are concerned that some hurricanes could be stronger.
“These secret supercells ahead of this line that will develop across East Texas through the afternoon will pose a risk for powerful tornadoes, not just EF-2s,” said FOX Weather meteorologist Jane Minnaar. “We could see…several long-term tornadoes, EF-3 or larger tornadoes.”
People who live in these areas should review their tornado safety plans and make sure they have a reliable way to receive weather alerts. Download the FOX Weather app to get alerts based on your location and 3D radar that lets you track storms.
The severe weather threat moves east on Sunday
Dangerous storms will move east by Sunday, with the worst weather forecast for an area stretching from Virginia to Florida. Tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail are possible with any severe storms that develop in this area.
