Strong Evening Storms Expected Across Southeast Texas Monday as Cold Front Brings Heavy Rain and Severe Weather Risks
HOUSTON, TEXAS — Southeast Texas is preparing for a potentially dangerous round of heavy rain and strong to severe thunderstorms beginning Monday afternoon, with the National Weather Service warning that severe weather could continue well into the early hours of Tuesday morning. A strong cold front pushing through the region will trigger rapid changes, bringing damaging winds, hail, and possible isolated tornadoes across several communities.
Cold Front to Trigger Rapid Storm Development by Monday Evening
Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston say scattered showers will begin early in the day, followed by a sharp increase in stronger storms as temperatures climb into the low to mid-80s. Once the front arrives Monday night, temperatures will fall quickly into the upper 50s and low 60s, creating a volatile environment capable of producing severe thunderstorms.
The most intense activity is expected along and north of the I-10 corridor, where warm Gulf moisture and advancing cold air will collide.
The National Weather Service stressed the need for vigilance:
“Stay weather-aware,” the NWS urged in its Monday update, noting severe weather is most likely Monday evening into early Tuesday morning.
Residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive alerts, especially overnight.
Damaging Winds, Hail, and Tornado Risk Increase Through the Evening
With storms strengthening through the late afternoon and evening, meteorologists warn of several significant threats:
- Damaging wind gusts over 60 mph
- Large hail, potentially causing roof and vehicle damage
- Isolated tornadoes within stronger rotating storms
- Localized power outages due to falling limbs or wind damage
These hazards are typical in late spring, when warm, humid Gulf air interacts with strong frontal systems moving east across Texas.
Heavy Rain Could Bring Localized Flooding Late Monday Night
Forecasters are also concerned about heavy rainfall in slow-moving or training thunderstorms. Intense downpours could create:
- Street flooding in low-lying or poor-drainage areas
- Ponding water on major roadways
- Reduced visibility for nighttime drivers
The NWS cautions motorists to expect slick roads and sudden visibility drops, especially during the Monday night commute.
Timeline of the Storms: What to Expect
Monday Morning
- Scattered showers
- Temperatures warming into the 80s
- Early instability developing
Late Afternoon to Evening
- Storms rapidly intensify
- Severe weather becomes more likely
- Initial lightning, gusty winds, and hail
Overnight Monday into Early Tuesday
- Peak severe weather risk
- Heavy rain and strongest storms
- Flooding and wind hazards increase
Tuesday Morning
- Conditions gradually improve
- Cooler, drier air settles in behind the front
What Residents Should Do Before the Storms Arrive
Officials are urging Southeast Texans to prepare before storms intensify. Because severe weather may peak overnight, early preparation is critical.
Residents should:
- Fully charge phones and enable weather alerts
- Secure outdoor furniture or loose items
- Avoid driving during the worst storms, if possible
- Never attempt to drive through flooded streets
- Keep a flashlight and emergency kit accessible
- Review safety plans with family members
Those living in flood-prone or low-lying neighborhoods should be ready to move vehicles or relocate temporarily if high water develops.
A Volatile Weather Pattern Common in Spring
Strong cold fronts colliding with warm Gulf moisture often produce volatile springtime storms across Southeast Texas. Severe weather can intensify rapidly, and even typical thunderstorms may evolve into rotating storms capable of producing hail, damaging winds, or brief tornadoes.
Weather officials emphasize that staying informed is the best defense. Local weather conditions can change dramatically within minutes during spring storm outbreaks.
Final Outlook
Southeast Texas is facing a heightened severe weather threat beginning Monday afternoon and lasting into early Tuesday morning. With risks including damaging winds, tornadoes, hail, and localized flooding, residents are strongly encouraged to stay alert, prepare early, and monitor NWS updates throughout the day.
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