Tornado warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for several Texas counties such as Dallas, Kaufman, and Rockwall. Local weather reporting indicates that "half-dollar-sized hail" is expected in north Texas on Tuesday, May 28. The warnings come after severe weather across the South US killed at least 15 people in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma in recent days.
Over the past week, the NWS has issued severe weather alerts across the South, including areas from Texas to the Gulf Coast and Florida. Even with the possibility of damaging winds, large hail, and flooding rain, tornado outbreaks remain the greatest weather hazard during severe thunderstorms. Powerful twisters are known for destroying structures and causing widespread disruption.
Due to the threat posed by tornadoes in Texas as of Tuesday, the weather service issued numerous tips to stay safe during a tornado. These safety measures include listening to local news (for weather developments) such as from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio. This is mainly to stay updated about any issuances of tornado watches and tornado warnings.
Texas Tornado Warnings
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On Tuesday at 7:44 a.m. CDT (local time), the NWS office in Fort Worth, Texas, states that tornado warnings remain in effect for southeastern Van Zandt and north central Henderson counties until 8:15 a.m. on the same day. The office said that a severe thunderstorm that can produce a tornado was detected near Van Zandt or 11 miles southeast of the city of Canton, moving eastward at a speed of 40 miles per hour.
Aside from tornadoes, other hazards amid the severe weather are golf ball-sized hail, the NWS says. In addition, flying debris will be dangerous for people outdoors or those without shelter. The US weather authorities add that severe storm hazards will damage or destroy mobile homes, as well as to roofs, windows, and vehicles. Tree damage is also likely to happen during the adverse weather.
The said tornado warnings are in addition to related alerts issued by the NWS for Dallas, Kaufman, and Rockwall counties at 6:01 a.m. on Tuesday. A tornado is also projected to hit other areas, including Garland, Mesquite, Rowlett, Sunnyvale, Balch Springs, Forney, Crandall, Talty, and Seagoville during morning hours.
Due to life-threatening risks, the weather agency advised the public to take cover or move to an interior room on a building's lowest floor.
Severe Weather Outbreak
The Texas tornado warnings were issued in the aftermath of deadly tornadoes that struck several states recently, as mentioned earlier. Based on updated reports as of Tuesday, the Memorial Day weekend severe weather outbreak resulted in the deaths of over 20 people across five states, including Kentucky and Alabama.
Local reports said that twisters were accompanied by tennis ball-sized hail and damaging winds. The severe weather during the recent holiday weekend also caused power outages for thousands of customers across the Midwest region.
Related Article: Southern US Tornado: 15 People Killed From Severe Weather in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas