Five Tornadoes Confirmed in Houston Area After Christmas
Hey there, Houston! If you thought the holiday festivities would quiet things down, think again! Just after Christmas, our vibrant city weathered a wild storm that brought along five confirmed tornadoes, leaving many residents in shock and awe.
Tornadoes Touch Down Across the Region
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that these tornadoes danced through various parts of our great city and beyond, moving from Wharton County to Liberty County. The drama began when an EF-1 tornado made a sensational entrance in southwest Houston, packing winds of up to 90 mph!
Imagine that! Trees bending like straw and debris swirling around your neighborhood. This particular tornado touched down along a path of less than a tenth of a mile, but it didn’t come without consequences – several homes experienced some damage. Further updates about the tornadoes, including their exact path lengths and widths, are expected from the NWS in the coming days, so stay tuned!
Spots Where Tornadoes were Spotted
Now, let’s talk specifics. Wharton County was the epicenter for the first reports of tornado sightings. The sheriff’s office mentioned locations like Loop 183 and County Road 428, as well as FM 960 and FM 961. Tornado watchers also reported activity around the intersection of Highway 59 and the El Campo truck stop, heading northeast towards Pierce. Quite the tour, right?
As the storm progressed, sightings continued around Lake Houston and near the Atascocita area. When it comes to storms like this, Liberty County wasn’t spared either, with a flurry of tornado reports rolling in as the storm clouds began to lift.
Tornado Season: What You Need to Know
Now, you might be wondering: isn’t it winter? Shouldn’t we be safe from tornadoes? The reality is, tornadoes can strike at any time! Here in Houston, we experience them during any season, month, or day of the year. Although statistics indicate that they are more frequent during late fall, winter, and spring, there’s truly no time to let our guard down. Being weather aware in Houston requires a keen eye and an alert mind!
Staying Prepared: Tips for You
The key to staying safe during tornado warnings is preparation. Here’s how you can be ready:
- Stay Informed: Make it a habit to check the weather forecast regularly. Sign up for notifications that keep you updated.
- Old-school NOAA radios: These trusty devices ensure you’re always in the loop, no matter what!
- Know Your Safe Spot: Ensure you and your family know where to take shelter if a storm approaches. Plan where you’ll meet after the storm passes.
In case you’re curious, tornadoes are classified using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale, which sorts them into categories based on their wind speeds:
- EF0: 65 to 85 mph
- EF1: 86 to 110 mph
- EF2: 111 to 135 mph
- EF3: 136 to 165 mph
- EF4: 166 to 200 mph
- EF5: More than 200 mph
Closing Thoughts
So there you have it, folks! A little excitement after our holiday celebrations. Remember to take these warnings seriously and always stay prepared. The weather can change in the blink of an eye, and we want each and every one of you to stay safe and sound!
