Hurricane watch for areas northeast of Houston during rush hour

A tornado watch was issued for parts of East Texas northeast of Houston during a flight Monday evening. This watch does not include Houston or Harris County, but residents east of Interstate 45 should watch storms closely as the cold front moves east.

The following counties in Texas are included in a tornado watch until 7 p.m. Monday: Angelina, Cherokee, Gregg, Hardin, Harrison, Houston, Jasper, Liberty, Marion, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Panola, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, Trinity and Tyler Walker.

A hurricane watch means that conditions are ripe for the development of powerful storms capable of producing tornadoes. Those who are under a tornado watch should be prepared to seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued for their location. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or storm shelter.

If you don’t have a basement or storm shelter, seek shelter in an interior closet on the lowest level of your home. Placing as many walls as possible between you and the outside is essential to staying safe if a tornado hits your area. An ensuite bathroom is also an excellent option, as strong plumbing around the bathroom will enhance your retreat. If possible, get a bike helmet or pads for cover. Don’t waste your time opening the windows of your home.

If you’re stuck in your car during a tornado warning, seek safe refuge in a sturdy building such as a grocery store or fast food restaurant. If you are not near sturdy structures, stay in your car with your seatbelt on and try to roll down the windows. Cover your head with your hands, a blanket, or a bike helmet. If you can safely get below road level into a ditch, leave your car and seek shelter there, keeping your head covered as much as possible.

Strong storms will occur early Monday afternoon and will continue for several hours longer. While Houston is not included in this hurricane watch, some strong storms cannot be ruled out until about 4pm east of Houston, and the risk of strong storms will continue until about 6pm. Thunderstorms and tornadoes taper off by the time most people head to bed on Monday.