DALLAS — On Thursday, numerous flights experienced delays and cancellations across Texas due to a series of thunderstorms that rolled through various regions in the state. The National Weather Service warned that this weather system could bring strong winds, hail, and the potential for tornadoes.
At the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, over 100 flights were delayed, and dozens more were canceled. Similar disruptions were noted at both Dallas’ Love Field and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, according to FlightAware, a company that monitors global flight activity.
As the storms developed, a tornado warning was issued late Thursday afternoon for areas northeast of Houston, indicating that radar had detected a tornado nearby. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of any damage caused by the storm.
A tornado watch remained active throughout Thursday evening for several counties in southeast Texas, including the Houston metropolitan area. In response to the heightened risk of severe weather, Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated the state’s emergency response resources.
Abbott emphasized the importance of safety as holiday travel resumed for many Texans and visitors alike. “It’s crucial that everyone regularly monitor road conditions, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials,” he stated in an announcement.
The most significant weather threats were anticipated over a region of Texas east of Dallas, stretching between Houston to parts of southern Arkansas and various areas in northern and western Louisiana, according to Brian Hurley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.
Hurley noted that while the possibility of tornadoes existed, the primary concern involved potent winds and hail. He predicted wind gusts to reach between 60 and 80 mph (96 to 128 kph), with hail potentially measuring one inch (2.5 centimeters) or more in diameter.
As the storm system advances, Hurley indicated that it would likely move into southern Arkansas and northern and western Louisiana after dark, creating hazardous conditions for those traveling during the holidays. “People can’t see a whole lot and may not be as weather-aware,” he warned.
