HOUSTON – Tropical Storm Alberto brought heavy rainfall to south Texas, storm surge for our coastal communities, intense waves, and now a confirmed tornado.
The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF-1 tornado touched down near Bellville from 5:25-5:27 PM on Wednesday.
This quick tornado was associated with the outer rain bands of Tropical Storm Alberto. Maximum winds were estimated to be around 100mph. The path was nearly two miles long (1.90 miles) with a maximum width of 100 yards.
The EF-1 rating was determined by a survey team from the National Weather Service.
The team found numerous uprooted and snapped hardwood trees, as well as damage to a business with a torn-off metal roof. Additionally, two homes sustained damage from high winds and impacts from trees and debris.
The NWS said the tornado originally touched down NW of Bellville near SH-36 before it moved across Koy Road. The tornado crossed SH-159 before moving onto a private ranch. Because the track moved into a private ranch, the path length may be longer than determined.
Tropical tornadoes are very frequent because there is a lot of inherent rotation within tropical systems.
If you find yourself in a tornado warning, remember the safest place to be inside your home is in an interior room. You want to put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible and stay away from windows.