HOUSTON – After a beautiful weekend, storms are forecasted to make their return to southeast Texas on Monday.
Those storms could also bring a chance of severe weather with them.
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There may be two rounds of storms before the day is done.
MONDAY’S SEVERE THREAT
The Storm Prediction Center continues to have southeast Texas highlighted in a level 2 slight risk on Monday. A higher threat of severe weather exists east of Texas in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
Storms will be ongoing ahead of the cold front early in southeast Texas. These storms would continue into the afternoon. Some of the early storms could be supercells capable of all severe hazards, including large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes, especially as we head into the afternoon.
The tornado threat will depend on the amount of instability in the atmosphere Monday. There is plenty of wind shear that will be available to storms Monday, but instability values could be hindered by early showers and storms across southeast Texas, which would lower the tornado threat. However, if temperatures can rise into the lower 70s, we may be dealing with an enhanced tornado threat.
A second round of storms is likely along the cold front Monday evening. These storms would pose a threat for hail and damaging winds along with a chance for a spin-up tornado or two. What happens earlier in the day will determine how intense the storms along the cold front will be. Storms earlier in the day could exhaust the atmosphere of any instability that is able to build up, which would limit how strong the evening storms could become.
Once the cold front moves past your location, the threat of severe weather for your area will be over.
While rain is definitely a good bet tomorrow, not everyone in southeast Texas will see severe weather. Just keep an eye to the sky Monday and be prepared.
TORNADO SAFETY
With a threat of severe weather and tornadoes in the forecast, now is a good time to look over your plan for what to do in the event severe weather strikes.
In a tornado, the best place to take shelter is somewhere underground. A basement or a storm shelter is the safest option in the event of a tornado. However, most homes and properties in southeast Texas lack these features.
An alternative, but also a great option, is to take shelter in an interior room of your house. This could be a closet or bathroom without windows. Take blankets or a mattress with you to protect yourself from flying debris. Put on a bicycle helmet that will also protect your head. Also, make sure the room is on the first floor. The second floor is not a good place to be when a tornado strikes.
If you are in a mobile home, get out and head to a more sturdy building. Mobile homes are extremely dangerous to be in during a tornado. Even tied down, mobile homes are no match for the powerful winds associated with tornadoes.
The same can be said for vehicles. If you are in your car, don’t try to outrun the tornado. Get off the road and relocate to a building.