Texas experienced extreme weather conditions on Thursday as a line of storms swept through several regions of the state, causing major travel disruptions and increasing tornado and high wind warnings. The storms, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), brought intense winds, hail and the potential for tornadoes, affecting both air and road travelers.
Impact on Texas Airports
Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Love Field and George Bush Intercontinental airports in Houston reported massive flight cancellations and delays. More than 100 flights were affected at DFW, one of the nation’s largest airports, due to storms and adverse weather conditions that impacted much of the state.
The problems also spread to other airports in the region, affecting the travel plans of thousands of people.
Tornado and Storms Warnings and Emergency Measures
The NWS issued a tornado warning for northeast Houston as radar indicated the presence of a tornado in that area. Although no immediate damage was reported, the warning caused great concern. In addition, a tornado watch remained in effect for several parts of southeast Texas through Thursday night.
In the face of the growing threat, Governor Greg Abbott activated emergency resources and asked the population to be attentive to weather conditions. He urged Texans and travelers to develop emergency plans and follow the directions of local authorities to ensure safety.
Hazardous Conditions Forecast
Meteorologist Brian Hurley noted that the area with the highest risk was east of Dallas, affecting areas of Houston, Arkansas and northern Louisiana. Although the chance of tornadoes was low, high winds and hail were the main threats. Wind gusts of up to 128 km/h and hail larger than 2.5 cm in diameter were expected. These phenomena could cause significant damage, especially in the most affected areas.
The storms, which continued to move into southern Arkansas and Louisiana, posed an additional hazard to travelers, particularly at night when visibility is more limited and weather awareness is lower. Reduced visibility conditions could increase the risk of highway accidents.
For more political, business, technological and cultural information visit all of our Mundo Ejecutivo platforms.
