Texas Tornado Warning: What You Need to Know and How to React

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Texas leads the nation in tornadoes, averaging 137 per year, with peak activity from April to June. However, tornadoes can strike anytime, especially in southeastern Texas, where Gulf moisture fuels year-round storm activity. Knowing when tornadoes are most likely and how to respond when warnings are issued can make all the difference. This guide covers the key facts about tornadoes in the Lonestar State and provides actionable steps to stay safe before and during a storm.

When Is Tornado Season in Texas?

According to the National Weather Service, Texans average 137 tornadoes yearly, more than any other state. Tornado season typically runs from April to June in Texas, peaking in May with the highest frequency of tornadoes. Still, tornadoes can occur at any time of year, especially in southeast Texas, due to the moisture from the Gulf of America. Some of the worst outbreaks in that part of the state have been in late fall and winter, so tornado season in Texas depends on what part of the state you are talking about.

When Is Tornado Season in Dallas, Texas?

Tornado season in Dallas follows the average pattern for the whole state. They are most common in spring from April to June, with the highest frequency of these storms occurring in May.

How To Stay Updated on Texas Tornado Warnings

Monitor local radio and TV broadcasts for the latest weather information.
Register for your community’s emergency alert system to receive important notifications.
Set up notifications on your weather app to get real-time storm updates on your phone.
Stay tuned to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for real-time updates.
Stay aware of alerts from the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for immediate warnings.
Learn the sound of your community’s tornado sirens when they go off.

How To Prepare for a Tornado in Texas

Take these steps to prepare for emergencies to keep your family safe when disaster strikes.

Identify Storm Shelters or Safe Rooms

Identify a safe room in your home, ideally one built to FEMA guidelines. If you don’t have one, look for the lowest, safest place in or near your home. Familiarize yourself with the closest storm shelters near your home, workplace, and school so you can act quickly in the event of a tornado warning. It’s also a good idea to research shelters at shopping malls and other places you frequently visit; if uncertain about shelters in public buildings, ask management where their safest refuges are.

Create an Emergency Plan

Every household should have an emergency kit and a household communication plan. Store your emergency kit in a dry, secure container in your tornado shelter or the safest room in your home. If your home lacks a safe refuge, keep the kit near the door so you can quickly grab it and go if you need to evacuate.

Your emergency plan should ensure everyone in your family knows who to contact, how to contact them, where to go in case of an emergency at home, work, or school, and where to find the emergency kit. It should also include steps for situations where family members are away from home and a backup meeting location in case evacuation is necessary. Conduct a family emergency drill at least once a year.

Include the following items in your emergency kit:

3-day supply of non-perishable food and water for all family members, including pets
A fully stocked first aid kit
A dust mask to filter debris
A whistle to signal for help
Warm clothing, blankets, and jackets
Necessary medications for each household member
A battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio
Rechargeable LED flashlights
Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
Cash in case ATMs are not working
A reliable household emergency power supply

The best emergency generator for hurricanes or tornados depends on your energy needs. However, an EcoFlow Portable Power Station is always preferred over traditional gas-powered generators that produce lethal carbon monoxide that kills 400 people yearly.

When selecting a backup power source, ensure it can run all your essential appliances. For instance, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus starts at 1024Wh, providing enough power to keep your devices charged, run some lights, and run a refrigerator. If you need to support medical equipment or additional appliances, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 delivers 4000W and can handle 120V and 240V appliances. Both models allow for expansion with extra batteries and can be recharged using solar panels during extended outages.

If you have rooftop panels, inspect them now to make sure they’re secure to help prevent storm damage. For portable solar panels, wait until the storm has passed before setting them up. The EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank can charge your phone for a quick, portable backup. It’s about the size of your phone, so it’s easy to carry in your pocket.

Sign Up For a Warning System

Sign up for your community’s warning system to stay informed during severe weather. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio offer reliable emergency updates if a local system is unavailable. Additionally, if tornado sirens are used in your area, ensure your family recognizes their sound and knows what to do.

Stay Alert

Always be on the lookout for severe weather and understand how to identify the danger signs. These include:

A dark sky, often with a greenish tint
Large, dark, low-lying clouds, especially if they are rotating
A funnel cloud emerging from the storm clouds
Large hail falling
A loud, continuous roar like a freight train

Don’t wait for an official alert if you see any of these danger signs. Take shelter immediately.

What To Do When a Tornado Hits Texas

Tornado warnings typically allow only 10-15 minutes to react, so take immediate action. Grab your emergency kit and seek shelter. Since most tornado-related injuries result from flying debris, protect your head while seeking shelter.
If you’re inside a school, hospital, nursing home, factory, shopping mall, or high-rise building, proceed to a designated storm shelter, basement, or the lowest possible level. If no basement is available, take cover in a small interior room such as a hallway or closet. Stay away from all windows, doors, and exterior walls, and get under a sturdy piece of furniture if possible.
Protect your head and neck with your arms.
Keep all windows and doors closed.
Stay informed by listening to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or TV newscasts. Meteorologists monitor storm conditions closely, so follow their updates and any directives from emergency officials.
Once the storm passes, check yourself and others for injuries. If you become trapped, make noise by banging on pipes or using a whistle instead of shouting to conserve energy. Wearing a dust mask can help you breathe more easily in dusty conditions.
If your home has lost power, turn on your EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generator to keep essential appliances running.
Only leave your location if medically necessary. Debris, fallen power lines, and road hazards can make travel dangerous, and you need to keep roads clear for emergency responders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tornadoes Common in Texas?

Tornadoes are prevalent in Texas, with 137 on average every year, the most of any state. While they typically occur from April to June, they have been recorded every month and are more common in the fall and winter in the southeastern portion of the state.

Is Texas in Danger of Tornadoes?

Yes, Texas is always in danger of tornadoes because we have more severe storms every year than any other state. Tornadoes peak from April to June, but they can occur in any month, especially in the southeast portion of the state.

Where in Texas Is Tornado Alley?

Tornado Alley historically covered most of the northern half of Texas, especially on the western side. However, as our climate has changed, so has Tornado Alley, moving east mostly out of Texas into Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. However, Texas still gets more tornadoes every year than any other state.

Final Thoughts

Texas experiences more tornadoes than any other state, with peak activity from April to June, but they can occur all year round. Staying prepared with a solid emergency plan, a well-stocked emergency kit, and a reliable backup power source like the EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generator ensures you can weather any storm. Don’t wait for a warning—take action now to protect yourself and your family.