Texas Thunderstorms Disrupt Holiday Travel Plans: A Stormy Season Unfolds

DALLAS (AP) — On Thursday, a number of flights in Texas experienced delays or cancellations as a band of thunderstorms traversed sections of the state, in a system that the National Weather Service projected could cause strong winds, hail, and potential tornadoes.

At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, over 100 flights faced delays with several more called off on Thursday. Love Field in Dallas and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston also experienced delays and cancellations linked to thunderstorms, according to FlightAware, a company that monitors flights globally.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning late Thursday afternoon for regions of Texas northeast of Houston, indicating that radar had detected a tornado in that vicinity. There were no immediate reports of destruction.

A tornado watch continued through Thursday night for numerous counties in southeastern Texas, including the Houston area.

Due to the heightened severe weather hazards, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott activated state emergency response resources.

“As residents of Texas and visitors traveling from other states begin their journeys after the Christmas holiday, it is vital for everyone to consistently check road conditions, prepare an emergency plan and follow the advice of state and local authorities,” Abbott stated.

The most significant weather threats were anticipated in a corridor of Texas east of Dallas, extending between Houston and parts of southern Arkansas and both western and northern Louisiana, according to Brian Hurley, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.

“There is indeed a likelihood of one or a few tornadoes amidst this risk, but the primary danger will stem from strong winds and hail,” Hurley noted, adding that anticipated wind gusts were generally between 60 and 80 mph (96 to 128 kph), and hail measuring one inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter or larger.

Hurley mentioned that the storms would likely advance into southern Arkansas and parts of western and northern Louisiana after sunset, creating a potentially perilous situation for travelers during the holiday.

“Visibility may be limited, and individuals may not be as conscious of weather conditions,” he remarked.