Weather
Tornado on the ground near Katy, Texas
Reports of potential tornado activity have emerged in the Katy Hockley and Bridgeland areas. However, as of now, there have been no calls regarding structural damage or injuries associated with these reports.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Southeast Texas from Friday night through Saturday morning. Drivers should exercise caution and be prepared for significantly reduced visibility during the morning commute.
- Spotty rain showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible ahead of an approaching cold front.
- Coastal areas may experience some early storm activity around sunrise, though these storms are not expected to match the intensity of the severe weather experienced on Thursday.
- A cold front will move through the region, bringing scattered storms. While the overall risk of severe weather remains low, there is a 2 out of 5 chance (Slight Risk) for isolated severe storms.
- Residents across Southeast Texas are advised to stay alert, as conditions can change rapidly.
- The line of storms is expected to clear the area by approximately 5:00 PM on Saturday as the front pushes eastward toward Louisiana.
High-pressure systems will move in behind the cold front, providing a calmer and more stable weather pattern. Expect drier conditions and cooler temperatures on Sunday.
- Stay updated with local weather alerts and forecasts.
- Exercise caution while driving during foggy conditions or heavy rainfall.
- Have a plan in place and know where to seek shelter if severe weather develops.
The National Weather Service and local authorities will continue to provide updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to monitor conditions and stay safe throughout the weekend.
Weather
Sirens Wail Across Jamaica Old Harbour Bay as Powerful Hurricane Melissa Approaches Landfall
OLD HARBOUR BAY, JAMAICA — Emergency sirens are sounding across Jamaica’s southern coast as Hurricane Melissa, a powerful and rapidly intensifying Category 4 storm, bears down on the island.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that Melissa could strengthen further into a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane before making landfall late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
In its 5 p.m. ET advisory on Sunday, the NHC confirmed that Melissa has resumed intensification, with satellite and reconnaissance data showing a small, well-defined eye and a highly organized inner core — indicators of a major hurricane gaining strength.
“Hurricane Melissa has intensified again,” the NHC stated. “Melissa could make landfall as a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane.”
As of the latest update, Melissa is producing maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) and is moving westward at 5 mph (8 km/h).
The storm’s center was located approximately 115 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, with a central pressure of 941 millibars, suggesting continued strengthening in the hours ahead.
Forecasters warn that life-threatening storm surge, destructive hurricane-force winds, and torrential rainfall could cause catastrophic damage across large portions of Jamaica.
- Rainfall totals: Up to 40 inches (1,000 mm) in isolated areas.
- Storm surge: 9–13 feet possible along Jamaica’s southern coastline.
- Wind damage: Widespread structural damage and long-term power outages are expected.
- Flooding and landslides: Flash flooding and mudslides likely across mountainous terrain.
In a key message Sunday evening, the NHC urged immediate protective action:
“Seek shelter now. Extensive infrastructural damage, long-duration power and communication outages, and isolation of communities are expected.”
- Hurricane Warning: Entire island of Jamaica and four provinces in eastern Cuba, including Guantánamo.
- Tropical Storm Warning: Las Tunas Province, Cuba.
- Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watches: Southern Haiti, where conditions may deteriorate by late Monday.
Current projections show Melissa continuing westward before making a sharp northeastward turn toward southeastern Cuba late Tuesday.
The storm could make a second landfall in Cuba before crossing the southeastern Bahamas midweek, eventually moving back into the open Atlantic by Thursday.
If Melissa maintains its strength and current path, it could rank among the strongest hurricanes ever to make direct landfall in Jamaica.
Emergency officials in Jamaica are urging all residents to complete preparations immediately, secure property, and relocate to designated hurricane shelters. Authorities warn that rescue operations may be impossible during the peak of the storm due to dangerous conditions.
Residents in coastal and low-lying areas are being told to evacuate immediately as conditions in regions like Old Harbour Bay, Clarendon, and Kingston Parish rapidly deteriorate.
This is a developing situation. Further updates will be issued by the National Hurricane Center, the Jamaica Meteorological Service, and local emergency management agencies as Hurricane Melissa approaches landfall.