DALLAS — Some flights were delayed or canceled on Thursday in Texas after a line of thunderstorms started moving across parts of the state in a system the National Weather Service predicted could bring damaging wind, hail and possible tornadoes.
More than 100 flights were delayed and dozens more canceled at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Thursday. Delays and thunderstorm-related cancellations also were reported at Dallas’ Love Field and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, according to FlightAware, an aviation company that tracks flights across the world.
***TRAVEL TROUBLE IN TEXAS***
Severe thunderstorms w/possible tornadoes are erupting this afternoon from the Arklatex to the TX Coast. There has been at least 1 confirmed tornado (El Campo, TX). These weather watches are set to expire at 7pm ✈️????????️ #okwx #txwx @KTULNews pic.twitter.com/9cQ6qyv2UU— Kevin Coskren (@KevinCoskrenTV) December 26, 2024
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning late Thursday afternoon for parts of Texas northeast of Houston, meaning weather radar indicated there was a tornado in the area. There were no immediate reports of damage.
A tornado watch remained in effect through Thursday night for several counties in southeast Texas, including the Houston area.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott activated state emergency response resources because of the increased severe weather threat.
“As Texans and out-of-state visitors begin traveling after the Christmas holiday, it’s crucial that everyone regularly monitor road conditions, make an emergency plan and heed the guidance of state and local officials,” Abbott said in a statement.
This supercell that occurred near El Campo & Hilje Texas did produced a tornado moments ago. #TXwx
????Allen Asa pic.twitter.com/3nhXHMcc8X
— StormHQ ☈ (@StormHQwx) December 26, 2024
The greatest weather risk was forecast for a stretch of Texas east of Dallas, between Houston and portions of southern Arkansas and western and northern Louisiana, said Brian Hurley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.
“There does look like the possibility of one or a few tornadoes with this risk, but the main risk will be with high winds and hail,” Hurley said, adding that he expected wind gusts generally between 60 and 80 mph, and hail one inch in diameter or greater.
Hurley said the storms will likely push into southern Arkansas and western and northern Louisiana after nightfall, posing a potentially dangerous situation for holiday travelers.
“People can’t see a whole lot and may not be as weather aware,” he said.
