Another round of severe weather is targeting Texas Tuesday, May 6, 2025, and the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado watch across a big swath of the state. Conditions are setting up in the Gulf Coast from near Houston to Central Texas around Waco for dangerous storms to form that could produce tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds. It is in effect until 4 p.m. Central Time.
Residents across southeast and central Texas are being urged to stay alert and be ready to act quickly, if conditions worsen. They follow on the heels of similar weather systems that have left hail and caused flooding at several spots, and today’s threat is likely to be that much worse.
Houston and Southeast Texas in the Path
The tornado watch extends to 16 counties in Southeast Texas. Major metro areas such as Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, College Station, and Conroe are included. ‘Weather is volatile – there’s a very low-pressure system going through here,’ meteorologists said. This setup makes it more likely to get rotating thunderstorms, the type that can be prime tornado-churning ones.
Flood watch has been issued through early Wednesday morning for cities like Burleson, Montgomery and Washington counties which have been drenched with recent rains. Flash flooding can quickly set in with more rain on the way, particularly in low lying or poorly drained areas.
According to storm experts, today will see two waves of activity: one around late morning, the other more violent round, due in the early evening. These time frames could be accompanied by hail, strong gusts, and isolated tornadoes.
Waco and Central Texas Also Affected
Baylor University, the City of Waco, as well as the rest of McLennan County, are also under the tornado watch further north. Local authorities and campus officials are warning students and residents to prepare safe shelter spaces and to have emergency kits handy. The university has activated its emergency alert system to provide real-time updates to the campus community.
Baylor’s public safety team is asking everyone to review tornado safety plans, to take all warnings seriously. A tornado warning means students are directed to shelter-in-place areas in campus buildings, and the sirens will sound across Waco. Emergency maps show these areas, designed to give the most protection from flying debris and structural damage.
But the morning began with fog and heavy rain in Waco and surrounding towns, already reducing visibility on roadways. The officials suggest that people refrain from travelling whenever possible during peak storm hours.
Safety Tips and Alerts
Across affected areas, authorities are asking people to have more than one way to receive weather alerts, such as wireless phones, a weather radio, and local news. There are many counties that have outdoor tornado sirens, however, they are not always audible inside during heavy rain or high winds.
The storm system plowing through Texas is just one in a larger severe weather pattern that has already whipped parts of the state with hail as big as ping-pong balls. ‘We’re working with emergency services who are obviously preparing for a busy day, and I would also urge everybody in Southampton to check on elderly neighbours or neighbours with mobility issues,’ Councillor Sweeney added.
Local businesses and school districts are watching the situation closely. Some schools have already altered schedules or have students inside until the storm risk has passed.
Conclusion
Preparedness is key as Texas braces for another turbulent weather day. Southeast and Central Texas will be under threat for tornadoes until late afternoon, though storms may linger past the evening. Even if you’re not in Houston, or they end up going to Waco or whatever for some reason, being informed and ready for shelter may be useful.
Authorities advise caution, awareness, and action. When skies darken or the sirens go off, don’t linger. Seek safe shelter immediately. Your safety comes first.
