Expand / Collapse search
☰

SE Texas Tornadoes: At least 6 tornadoes touched down Saturday, NWS confirms

By
Updated  December 29, 2024 10:02pm CST
Severe Weather
FOX 26 Houston

5 tornadoes confirmed Saturday in Southeast Texas

The National Weather Service has confirmed five tornadoes occurred as severe storms moved across Southeast Texas on Saturday.

The Brief

    • The NWS has confirmed six tornadoes from Saturday's storms in Southeast Texas.
    • There were two EF-3 tornadoes, one EF-2 tornado, two EF-1 tornadoes and one EF-0 tornado.
    • The tornadoes were confirmed in Brazoria, Galveston, Montgomery and Chambers counties.

HOUSTON - The National Weather Service has completed its preliminary survey of the damage left behind by Saturday's storms in Southeast Texas.

So far, six tornadoes have been confirmed from Saturday's outbreak, including two EF-3 tornadoes. One of the tornadoes resulted in a death and multiple injuries.

The National Weather Service says it is only a partial report and more details are expected to be released over the next several days.

Here’s a look at the National Weather Service’s preliminary storm survey results.

Brazoria County tornado

Alvin severe storms: School, homes damaged

Severe storms moved through southeast Texas on Saturday. The city of Alvin was one of the areas that saw much of the damage in tornado-warned storms. Anthony Antoine talks to families affected by the storm and looks at the trail of damage left behind.

EF-2: The tornado moved from the southwest end of County Road 172 to the eastern edge of Hillcrest with a path of 8.8 miles.

One person was killed, and multiple people were injured.

The maximum damage was observed at Walt Disney Elementary School in Alvin.

Alvin ISD's Walt Disney Elementary sustained damage from an EF-2 tornado.

Galveston County tornadoes

EF-1: The tornado touched down in a neighborhood east of Dickinson High School and had a path length of about 250 yards. A few homes sustained significant roof damage.

EF-0: A tornado occurred near Bayshore Park.

Montgomery County tornado

Storm damage in Porter Heights

A look at the storm damage in Porter Heights, Texas. A tornado was reported in Porter Heights on Saturday.

EF-3: The tornado occurred in Porter Heights.

Multiple locations in the area also had EF-2 damage.

FOX 26 received video of significant damage in the area.

Storm damage in Porter Heights after tornado warning

Viewer David Carter sent this video of damage in Porter Heights at FM 1314 and Gene Campbell after a tornado-warned storm moved through the area.

Chambers County

EF-3: The tornado occurred along Highway 124, south of FM 1941.

There was also EF-2 damage between Smith Point and the Chambers-Jefferson County line.

Katy Tornado

Debris flies in Katy storm

FOX 26 viewer Danny Thigpen shares his view of Saturday's storms from Katy's Sunterra Subdivision.

EF-1: The tornado occurred north of Katy.

There was structural damage to several homes along Noel Lane, FM 529 and Katy Hockley Road.

The tornado remained on the ground for nearly 11 miles.

The peak winds in the storm were about 100 mph.

Tornado Rating System

The National Weather Service uses the Enhanced Fujita Scale to rate tornadoes on a 0 to 5 scale.

The rating is based on estimated wind speeds and related damage.

  • EF-0 - 65-85 mph gusts
  • EF-1 - 86-110 mph gusts
  • EF-2 - 111-135 mph gusts
  • EF-3 - 136-165 mph gusts
  • EF-4 - 166 - 200 mph gusts
  • EF-5 - Over 200 mph gusts

The Source: The information in this article is from the National Weather Service.

Severe WeatherBrazoria CountyGalveston CountyMontgomery CountyChambers County