These Texas Cities Are Ground Zero For Tonight's Tornado Outbreak

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, Oklahoma has updated its guidance on tonight's anticipated severe weather outbreak. This dangerous overnight scenario is expected to impact much of east Texas, northwestern Louisiana, southeastern Oklahoma, and southwestern Arkansas.

As of 7 a.m. Thursday morning, the SPC has identified the zone where they believe the worst of the weather will be concentrated.

NOAA

Orange Shaded Area

This is level three out of five. Numerous severe storms are to be expected in this region. Damaging straight-line winds of 60+ mph, golf ball-sized (or larger) hail, and EF2-EF5 (110+ mph) tornadoes are all in the mix.

Texas cities and towns that are in this region include:

Texarkana
Marshall
Atlanta
Jefferson
Daingerfield
Waskom
Hallsville
Mt. Pleasant
New Boston
Linden

Yellow Shaded Area

Severe storms are also probable in this wide area, however, the coverage is not expected to be as widespread as in the orange region. All of the severe storm threats remain in play here, but the 'large' hail and the EF2 or stronger tornadoes are anticipated to be more around the Ark-La-Tex.

But, that doesn't mean these 'worst of the worst' storms can be ruled out for the yellow-shaded area.

Texas cities and towns that are in this region include:

Lufkin
Nacogdoches
Longview
Tyler
Livingston
Jasper
San Augustine
Crockett
Palestine
Jacksonville
Whitehouse
Gladewater
Carthage
Center
Henderson
Hemphill
Lindale
Groveton
Athens
Sulphur Springs

Dangerous Timing

Unfortunately, most of the shaded areas are expected to get severe weather late tonight. Many across East Texas will already be in bed for the night. Most injuries and fatalities from severe weather occur during overnight hours.

Timing for tonight's severe weather outbreak

NWS Shreveport

Please keep up to date with this dangerous situation by keeping local TV or radio stations on. Many of those will have automatic activation of Emergency Alert tones when threatening weather approaches. You can also keep up here with severe weather warnings when they are issued.

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These are the 10 Deadliest Tornadoes to Have Struck Texas Since 1900

Tornadoes are nothing new to us in East Texas or throughout the state of Texas. Being on the bottom end of Tornado Alley means we've seen some powerful tornadoes strike in our state.

Gallery Credit: YouTube, dissolve.com, newspapers.com

Source: These Texas Cities Are Ground Zero For Tonight’s Tornado Outbreak