Texas Weather Update as Severe Thunderstorms Forecast

Texas is facing a rough day of weather on Wednesday as several warnings have been issued for the Lone Star State.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for numerous counties in southern Texas, as well as warning of critical fire conditions on Wednesday for some areas. Weather maps produced by the NWS from Tuesday evening show a band of strong to severe thunderstorms and precipitation developing over the U.S.-Mexico border before traveling northeastward over coastal areas and cities like San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi as Wednesday morning continues.

In February, northeast Texas faced a similar threat of thunderstorms and large hail due to another low-pressure system, marking an early arrival of intense cyclogenic weather for the region.

"A line of strong to severe storms continues to move to the east away from the I-35 corridor. A few storms could contain small hail and damaging wind gusts. Trailing light to moderate rain continues along the I-35 corridor between portions of San Antonio and Austin," the weather service reported early on Wednesday morning. Newsweek has contacted the NWS for comment via email outside of normal working hours.

Severe thunderstorm warnings are also in place for coastal areas around Corpus Christi, with rain and 60 mph wind gusts taking place throughout the early hours of Wednesday. Those in the area can expect damage to roofs, sidings and trees, and have been advised by the NWS to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of the building "for your protection."

Hail the size of quarters is also expected to cause potential damage to vehicles in the following areas: Katy, Sealy, Brookshire, East Bernard, Wallis, Fulshear, Simonton, San Felipe, Pattison, Orchard, Weston Lakes, and Cinco Ranch.

The rain band is expected to keep moving eastward through Texas toward neighbouring Louisiana and Mississippi, both of which have experienced severe rain already this week. Storms are expected to reach the Baton Rouge area at around 7 a.m. Wednesday and continue moving east.

"A very active weather pattern is currently unfolding throughout much of
the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley as numerous showers and
thunderstorms impact the region, with several modes of hazardous weather
possible," the latest NWS short range forecast reads. "With more heavy rain on the way, numerous instances of flash flooding are likely overnight from east-central Texas to parts of western Mississippi."

There is also a risk of wildfires in Texas as rain dries out and temperatures rise on Wednesday. Red-flag warnings are issued when warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire.

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From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, red-flag warnings are in place for La Salle, McMullen, Live Oak, Webb, Duval, Jim Wells, Inland Kleberg, Inland Nueces, Inland San Patricio, Coastal Kleberg, Coastal Nueces, Coastal San Patricio, Kleberg Islands and Nueces Islands.

"Critical fire weather conditions are likely to develop through the day Wednesday as northwesterly winds increase and relative humidity values fall in the wake of a cold front," the NWS has reported. It warns that wind gusts of up to 45 mph and humidity as low as 20 percent could help spread fires.

"Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended," one warning reads. "Residents are urged to exercise care with respect to all outdoor activities that could inadvertently cause wildfires. Report wildfires quickly to the nearest fire department or law enforcement office."