NEWTON COUNTY, Texas — Several Southeast Texas Counties were under a tornado watch Monday as heavy rain pounded the area.
Jefferson, Hardin, Jasper, Orange, Liberty and Newton Counties were under the watch until 6 p.m. Monday.
A flash flood warning was also in effect for parts of Jefferson and Orange counties until 4:30 p.m. Monday according to the National Weather Service.
Eastex Freeway at Hwy. 105 to Major at 105 is one area that is likely to present flood hazards during heavy rain. Other streets will see puddling in low-lying areas.
A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect Monday morning and ended at 11:15 a.m. Parts of Jasper and Newton Counties saw blinding rain and wind gusts topping 65 mph.
The tornado watch stretches from Southeast Texas to a majority of Louisiana.
An SUV could be seen in a flooded ditch just off of Eastex Freeway near Dugood Credit Union Monday afternoon, with emergency crews working to pull it out.
Monday brings heavy rainfall, tornado watch to Southeast Texas
From the National Weather Service...
Tornado Warning National Weather Service Lake Charles LA 1042 AM CST Mon Dec 16 2019
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a Tornado Warning for Southwestern Newton County, North central Orange County and Southeastern Jasper County.
Until 1130 AM CST. At 1042 AM CST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Gist, or near Mauriceville, moving northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD... Tornado.
SOURCE... Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT... Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.
This dangerous storm will be near... Gist around 1050 AM CST. Devils Pocket around 11:15 AM CST.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... TAKE COVER NOW!
Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows.
If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
LAT...LON 3052 9377 3044 9370 3042 9372 3043 9372 3041 9373 3019 9398 3023 9403 TIME...MOT...LOC 1642Z 220DEG 28KT 3024 9398 TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED HAIL...<.75IN