By admin 
DALLAS (AP) — Parts of Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas were under severe weather conditions early Friday as the National Weather Service forecast that a storm system in the Gulf of Mexico could bring high winds, hail and possible tornadoes to the region.
“Heavy rain and thunderstorms continue to move across Louisiana and Gulf waters at this time, while SETX remains clear through the remainder of this evening. Please stay safe everyone,” the weather service office in Lake Charles, Louisiana posted on the social platform X shortly after 11 p.m. on Thursday.
The weather service issued a tornado warning late that afternoon for parts of Texas northeast of Houston, meaning weather radar indicated there was a tornado in the area. There were no immediate reports of damage.
After a series of thunderstorms moved through parts of Texas, there were more than 100 of them flights were delayed and dozens more canceled at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Delays and cancellations due to thunderstorms were also reported at Dallas’ Love Field and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, according to FlightAware, an aviation company that tracks flights around the world.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated the state’s emergency response efforts due to the increased threat of severe weather.
“As Texans and out-of-state visitors begin traveling after the Christmas holidays, it is critical that everyone regularly monitor road conditions, make a contingency plan, and heed guidance from state and local officials” , Abbott said in a statement.
The greatest weather risk was forecast for a portion of Texas east of Dallas, between Houston and parts of southern Arkansas and western and northern Louisiana, said Brian Hurley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.
“There appears to be a possibility that one or a few tornadoes will develop with this risk, but the greatest risk will be with high winds and hail,” Hurley said, adding that he expected wind gusts generally between 60 and 80 mph (96 to 128 km per hour). ), and hail with a diameter of 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) or larger.
The storms would likely push into southern Arkansas and western and northern Louisiana after nightfall, creating a potentially dangerous situation for holiday travelers, Hurley said.
“People can’t see much and may not be very aware of the weather,” he said.