How rare are tornadoes in December in SE Texas?

Southeast Texas saw two tornado outbreaks in one week. Eleven tornadoes were confirmed—five touchdowns on December 26th and another six on December 28th.

When we think of December in SE Texas, tornadoes are not the first thing that comes to mind, but the region has seen tornadic activity in December before—just not this many at once.

• “There was nothing I could do:” Woman recounts Brazoria County tornado that killed her wife

The yearly average for tornadoes is three and a half. Although 2024’s Christmas week storm dropped eleven tornadoes, shattering the annual average-the rarity is how many tornadoes occurred, not that they occurred in December.

Tornadoes are more common in the winter months for SE Texas because the jet stream’s position is more favorable for bringing storm systems with cold air. The cold air clashes with warm and moist airmasses coming off the Gulf of Mexico, leading to severe storms.

• Alvin ISD elementary school asking for public’s help to recover after suffering catastrophic tornado damage

According to the history books, Harris County has recorded 10 tornadoes during the month of December since 1950, one of them an F-3 in 1977.

Note that any tornado records before 2007 were rated on the Fujita scale (F). The scale was upgraded to the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF), which considers not only wind damage but also the type of structures damaged.