Another chance for strong storms with windy potential in Houston Friday; this is what it looks like

HOUSTON – It’s been an active week for the Houston Area Weather Service.

On Tuesday, a strong line of storms was marked by damaging winds and hail, and on Wednesday, strong storms also moved through the region.

Another round of storms is possible Friday morning, which could also be strong to severe, with damaging winds the main threat.

This is what it looks like currently.

Thunderstorms Thursday and Friday morning:

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for areas north of Houston. This watch lasts up to 9 p.m. and covers counties such as Brazos, Madison, Trinity, and Houston. This watch is for a group of storms that developed near the Dallas area and are moving east-southeast.

Like Wednesday, it is possible for a few additional storms to arrive Thursday afternoon. Any storm that develops will need to be monitored in case it becomes strong. Gusty winds and possibly hail would be possible if a storm manages to strengthen.

A complex of storms developing this afternoon and evening near Lubbock and Abilene will move southeast toward our area. Computer models show it will enter some of our northern counties around 11 p.m. I think these storms will likely come a few hours later than the models show and could arrive as late as 4 a.m. Friday, so take the times on these charts with a grain of salt.

Storms are expected to hit the Houston metro area early Friday morning. The main threat from this line of storms will be damaging winds. The tornado threat is non-zero. That is to say, it is extremely weak. However, any time you experience an intense line of storms like this with the potential for wind, you can never completely rule out a tornado. Either way, damaging winds can cause just as much trouble as tornadoes.

Storms are expected to move eastward from the Houston area early to mid-morning. As I said earlier, take the timing with a grain of salt, as it might be a bit later than what the models are currently saying. You’ll want to allow extra time for the morning commute, just in case.

Thunderstorms Friday afternoon and Saturday:

After the line of storms passes in the morning, there should be a break for a few hours. It is possible for a few pop-up storms to return to the area in the afternoon.

Computer models show another group of storms moving through the region Saturday afternoon. The timing is a little unclear at the moment, so we’ll keep an eye on it and let you know when it might impact the region on Saturday.

Preview:

• A few spot storms are possible Thursday afternoon before a stronger line of storms moves in early or Friday morning.

• The most severe storms have the potential to produce damaging winds.

• Redevelopment of pop-up storms appears possible Friday afternoon. Another group of storms is possible Saturday afternoon.