Tornado watch in effect for Southeast Texas, including Houston metropolitan area until 9 pm

A tornado watch has been issued for multiple counties in the Houston area, including the Houston metropolitan area. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the tornado watch will remain in effect until 9 p.m. Saturday, February 14.

In addition to the Houston metro, the watch covers Galveston, Beaumont, The Woodlands, Conroe, Huntsville, Livingston, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Tyler, and Port Arthur.

Severe thunderstorm warnings

The National Weather Service has also been issuing severe thunderstorm warnings for several counties through various times this evening.

A warning is currently in effect until 7:45 p.m. for Northeastern Wharton County, Fort Bend County, Northwestern Brazoria County, Southwestern Liberty County, Southeastern Waller County, and Harris County. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph have been reported, with the potential to cause damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

What residents should know

A tornado watch does not mean a tornado is occurring. Instead, it indicates that weather conditions are favorable for the development of severe storms that could produce tornadoes. As per NWS, a tornado warning is issued when a tornado is imminent or already occurring.

Residents under the watch are urged to be prepared to seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued for their location. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or designated storm shelter.

Officials stress that acting quickly is key to staying safe and minimizing impacts.

Safety guidance includes:

• Stay weather-ready: Continue monitoring local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on watches and warnings.
• At home: If a tornado warning is issued, move to a basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Bring pets if time allows.
• At work or school: Follow tornado drill procedures and go to the designated shelter area. Avoid windows and large open rooms such as cafeterias, gyms, or auditoriums.
• Outdoors: Seek immediate shelter inside a sturdy building. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe.
• In a vehicle: Being in a car during a tornado is dangerous. If possible, drive to the nearest safe shelter. If you cannot reach one, get down in your car and cover your head, or leave the vehicle and take shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.