Storm Prediction Center upgraded the severe weather risk for the Houston metropolitan area to Level 2 out of 5 on Saturday, prompting officials to issue a Weather Impact Alert as a line of storms is expected to move through the region during the evening hours.
Forecasters said the primary threats include strong winds and the possibility of a few tornadoes. KHOU 11 meteorologist Kim Castro said the most significant impacts are expected between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Weather models show the storm line reaching Brenham around 5 p.m., passing through downtown Houston at approximately 8 p.m., and moving toward Galveston by 10 p.m. The timing could affect a Mardi Gras parade scheduled for Saturday evening. Event organizers said the parade will proceed as planned but could face delays depending on conditions.
Forecasters expect cloudy skies and isolated light showers Saturday morning, with severe weather unlikely early in the day. The threat is forecast to increase during the afternoon as storms develop in northwestern areas and move toward central Houston.
Officials said some storms could produce damaging wind gusts, small hail and isolated tornadoes. Travel is not recommended during the evening window because of hazardous conditions.
The storms are associated with a cold front and developing low-pressure system expected to draw Pacific and Gulf moisture into the region, triggering showers and thunderstorms ahead of the front as it moves southeast. Areas along and north of Interstate 10 face a higher risk of stronger storms.
Conditions are expected to improve after the front passes late Saturday night. Forecasters predict clearing skies by midmorning Sunday, with morning lows in the 50s and afternoon highs near 72 degrees.
Dry weather is forecast to continue into early next week, including Presidents Day, with temperatures gradually rising toward 80 degrees by midweek. Forecasters said the system is unlikely to significantly reduce ongoing drought conditions in the region.
