Houston Weather: Tornadoes Confirmed, Airport Delays, and Flood Watch Continues

Houston, Texas – Severe weather swept thru the Houston area, bringing confirmed tornadoes to Wharton county, causing significant airport delays, and prompting a continued flood watch. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

Tornadoes Touch Down in Wharton County

The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that two tornadoes touched down in wharton County on Thursday. An EF-1 tornado, with winds reaching 100 mph, impacted areas northeast of Wharton, causing damage to homes and trees. A weaker EF-0 tornado, with winds of 75 mph, touched down east of Burr, resulting in minor tree damage. The NWS is continuing to assess the full extent of the damage. According to the Storm Prediction Center, Texas has seen an increase in tornado activity in recent years, with 156 tornadoes reported in 2024, compared to the average of 132 Storm Prediction Center.

Damage in Wharton County following the EF-1 tornado. (Source: ABC13)

Initial reports indicate that the EF-1 tornado caused the most significant damage along Everett and Holiness Lanes, just south of County road 166. Roof damage to numerous homes and snapped tree branches have been reported. Emergency crews are on the scene assessing the damage and providing assistance to affected residents.

Did You Know? the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale is used to rate the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause. EF-0 tornadoes are the weakest, while EF-5 tornadoes are the strongest.

Airport Delays plague Houston Travelers

Severe thunderstorms caused significant disruptions at Houston’s major airports. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) experienced departure delays averaging 96 minutes, according to the FAA. While the departure delay has since been lifted, travelers are advised to check with their airline for the latest information on their flight status. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) also experienced delays, with a ground stop lifted earlier in the day. Flight delays can have a ripple effect, impacting connecting flights and causing further travel disruptions. According to a recent study by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, flight delays cost passengers and airlines billions of dollars annually