Tornado watch, strong winds and hail sweep through Houston area on Saturday evening
Severe storms raced across Southeast Texas Saturday, dumping heavy rain, knocking down fences and sending gusts capable of structural damage through the Houston region. A tornado watch was in effect for large portions of the area during the evening hours, with multiple warnings issued as the line of storms moved to the east.
Watch and warning timeline
Forecasters placed many counties under a tornado watch for the evening, and that watch was gradually lifted for most locations around 8: 00 p. m. ET. The watch remained in effect until 9: 00 p. m. ET for Chambers and Galveston counties. Earlier in the evening a tornado warning covered parts of Brazoria, Harris and Galveston counties from 6: 50 p. m. to 7: 15 p. m. ET, when a portion of the line exhibited rotation and posed a tornado threat.
The strongest portion of the line pushed through northwest of Houston beginning in the late afternoon and swept toward the Gulf through the evening, with the main window for severe storms generally between about 5: 00 p. m. ET and 10: 00 p. m. ET. Several severe thunderstorm warnings were in effect at various times as pockets of damaging wind and hail moved across the region.
Impacts: wind, rain and hail
Storms produced localized but significant impacts. Rainfall totals reached roughly 2 inches in spots, a welcome boost where drought conditions remain. However, the storms also brought widespread wind damage and frequent lightning. Wind gusts up to 60 mph were reported in some areas, strong enough to strip siding, damage roofs and topple trees and fences. There were isolated accounts of collapsed steps and other structural damage where winds were strongest.
Small hail was observed early as the line organized, with pea-size hail reported in communities northwest of Houston. Damage clusters were noted around Pearland and parts of Montgomery County as the front moved through the metropolitan area.
Short-term outlook and safety basics
Conditions cleared somewhat overnight, and the forecast for Sunday is expected to be partly sunny and dry but still breezy, with gusts up to about 20 mph possible. The upcoming holiday early next week looks to stay mild with no cold snaps evident in the 10-day trend.
Residents should continue to treat rapidly changing conditions seriously during active weather: have multiple ways to receive warnings, move to an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows if a tornado threat is imminent, and avoid flooded roadways. Secure loose outdoor items ahead of gusty conditions and be prepared for power interruptions in areas that experienced downed trees and lines.
Emergency crews and local authorities will be assessing damage and clearing debris through the overnight and into Sunday. Anyone with storm-related hazards—downed power lines, significant structural damage, or urgent safety concerns—should contact local emergency services for immediate assistance.
