Texas severe weather/ holiday travel delays/ Texas storms flight cancellations/ NWS weather alerts Texas/ storm safety holiday travelers/ DALLAS/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Severe thunderstorms swept across Texas on Thursday, disrupting holiday travel with flight delays and cancellations in Dallas and Houston. The National Weather Service warned of high winds, hail, and possible tornadoes as the system moved east into Arkansas and Louisiana. Travelers were urged to stay alert, especially after dark when visibility is reduced.
Storms Disrupt Texas Travel: Quick Looks
- Flight Impacts:
- 90 delays and over two dozen cancellations at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
- Disruptions also reported at Dallas Love Field and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
- Weather Threats:
- High winds (60–80 mph), hail (1 inch or more), and possible tornadoes.
- Highest risk forecast for areas east of Dallas, including Houston and parts of Arkansas and Louisiana.
- Nighttime Risks:
- Storms are expected to intensify after dark, creating hazards for holiday travelers.
Texas Thunderstorms Bring Delays, Cancellations to Holiday Travelers
Deep Look
Flight Disruptions Across Texas
Thunderstorms swept through Texas on Thursday, creating significant travel delays during the busy holiday season. At Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, nearly 90 flights were delayed, and more than two dozen were canceled. Similar disruptions were reported at Dallas Love Field and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, according to FlightAware.
Severe Weather Threats
The National Weather Service highlighted a stretch east of Dallas, including Houston and parts of Arkansas and Louisiana, as the area of greatest risk. Meteorologist Brian Hurley emphasized the potential for damaging winds and hail.
- Wind Speeds: Gusts between 60 and 80 mph.
- Hail Size: 1 inch or more in diameter.
- Tornado Risk: While possible, tornadoes are a secondary threat compared to wind and hail.
Nighttime Concerns for Travelers
The storms are expected to move into Arkansas and Louisiana after dark, posing additional risks for drivers and holiday travelers. Hurley warned that poor visibility at night could make severe weather harder to detect, increasing the danger.
“People can’t see a whole lot and may not be as weather aware,” he cautioned.
Travel Advisory
Travelers in affected areas are urged to monitor weather updates closely, allow extra time for delays, and prioritize safety, especially during nighttime travel.
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