A tornado is believed to have touched down in Katy, Texas, within the Houston metro area based on videos shared on social media by AccuWeather and various meteorologists. Travelers are advised to exercise caution as severe weather is forecasted, including storms, tornadoes, and snow. In Dermott, Arkansas, which was placed under a severe thunderstorm warning on Saturday morning, forecasters warned of a potentially destructive storm carrying baseball-sized hail.
Parts of Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana were identified as at risk for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms on Saturday, December 28, 2024. A map from the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center highlights the areas with the highest risk.
These storms follow a recent bout of severe weather that struck parts of Texas and Louisiana on Thursday, bringing with it numerous tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, as reported by AccuWeather.
Understanding Severe Weather Warnings and Watches
A tornado watch is issued when weather conditions are favorable for tornado formation, serving as an alert for people to be prepared to act swiftly within and around the designated watch area.
On the other hand, a tornado warning indicates that a tornado has either been spotted or is detected by weather radar, signaling an immediate threat to life and property. During a tornado warning, individuals are advised to seek shelter in interior rooms on the lowest floors of sturdy buildings while avoiding windows.
As further details emerge, it is important to stay informed about the evolving situation and heed any additional safety advisories. This article has been updated to incorporate new information and rectify any misspellings or typos. For more on this developing story, visit the original article on USA TODAY addressing the rare ‘particularly dangerous’ alert prompted by tornado threats in the South.
