Severe Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Large Hail Threaten 15 Million Residents in Texas

Texas is in danger as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and large hail threaten its 15 million residents.

On Friday, more than 15 million people were under tornado and severe thunderstorm watches, including residents of Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston. A large portion of Texas had to endure another stormy day with hail and strong winds.

Severe Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Large Hail

The communities west of Waco, namely Pottsville and Midway, were included in one of the five tornado warnings issued in Texas on Friday. During the storm, a wall cloud was seen, which was a sign that a potential tornado might form if the thunderstorm persisted.

Golf ball-sized hail was reported in Arnett, Texas, not too far away. Usually, cars get dented, and building roofs can get damaged when hailstones are bigger than golf balls. A 1.75-inch hailstone was seen in Troy, according to a spotter.

The FOX Forecast Center also monitored a supercell that moved through the Fort Hood region and was likely carrying a tornado that was rain-wrapped, according to storm watchers.

Power Outage

Joseph Idler a storm chaser, later reported that there were a few damaged buildings in Fort Hood as well as some downed power lines and cell phone towers.

PowerOutage.us reports more than 165,000 power outages. Bell County, located halfway between Austin and Waco, seemed to be among the hardest-hit areas. Golf ball-sized hail and 76 mph wind gusts were both reported by storm spotters.

Areas in Hidalgo County in far-southern Texas were severely affected by power outages and storms that brought fierce wind gusts. A gust of 58 mph was recorded in McAllen, but storms nearby appeared to show even relatively high gusts.

As of Friday night, more than 100 reports of severe weather had been submitted to the SPC, with hail accounting for more than 85% of witness reports.

The largest hailstone was recorded in Hamilton, Texas, where baseball-sized chunks of ice fell, FOX Weather reports.

Wind Advisory

A wind advisory is in effect until this evening for portions of the southeast and south-central regions of Texas due to northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with updrafts up to 40 mph. According to the National Weather Service, gusty winds could blow around exposed objects, break tree limbs, and cause a few power outages.

The service also advises drivers to drive carefully, especially when operating a high-profile vehicle. Meanwhile, owners of homes should secure any outdoor items they may have that can be susceptible to wind damage.

The NW wind has brought cooler air in, keeping our temperatures mostly in the 60s today with a chance of warming up to 70-72 degrees, according to Click 2 Houston's weather experts. The typical high temperature in this region at this time of year is 83 degrees.

Tomorrow will bring a significant change with more southwesterly winds and lots of sunshine. By Sunday afternoon, temperatures will reach the low to mid-80s thanks to this combination.

The upcoming week appears to be largely dry and sunny. By the following weekend, chances for showers return, Click to Houston reports.