Tornado Season Isn’t Over Yet for Southeast Texas

November is the second most active month

You read that right. In fact, November is historically the second most active month for tornadoes in southeast Texas, behind only May. While most people think of spring as tornado season, the fall can also be a dangerous time for twisters. That's because the same ingredients that come together to create tornadoes in the spring are still present in the fall: warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico; cold, dry air from the north; and strong winds.

Why November?

One reason why November is such an active month for tornadoes is because the jet stream is often positioned in a way that allows storms to develop over the Gulf of Mexico. These storms can then track northward into southeast Texas. Additionally, the fall months are often characterized by strong cold fronts, which can provide the lift needed for tornadoes to form.

How to stay safe

If you live in southeast Texas, it's important to be aware of the risk of tornadoes year-round. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:

• Have a plan for where you will go if a tornado warning is issued. This could be a basement, an interior room on the lowest floor of your home, or a storm shelter.
• Keep a battery-powered radio and flashlights on hand in case of power outages.
• Stay away from windows and doors during a tornado warning.
• If you are caught outside during a tornado, lie down in a ditch or other low-lying area and cover your head with your hands.

By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of being injured or killed by a tornado.