Deep East Texas Braces for Flooding, Intense Tornadoes

East Texas is in the bull's-eye of a severe weather outbreak today, which includes the potential for flooding and strong tornadoes.

A Flood Watch is in effect until 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is advising residents from Austin to Lufkin to be prepared for the possibility of EF2 or stronger tornadoes.

Here's The Latest on the Tornado Threat

Overnight, the SPC raised the risk of a tornado outbreak in parts of central Texas, the Brazos Valley, and east Texas.

Anyone living in the yellow-shaded oval that stretches from Austin to Waco to Lufkin to Houston should remain alert to the potential of tornadoes today and this evening, some of which could be intense.

As of this posting (9:00 am), tornado warnings have already been issued for the Texas Hill Country, just west of Austin.

A Tornado Watch is in effect until 4 p.m. for Austin, Waco, Houston, and Bryan/College Station. The only counties in Deep East Texas included are Trinity and Houston; however, another watch will probably extend eastward later in the day.

Today's Flood Threat in East Texas

Heavy downpours are expected today and tonight across much of the Pineywoods. A Flood Watch is in effect for all of East Texas until 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

The Excessive Rainfall Outlook (ERO) continues to show all of the Pineywoods in the red-shaded moderate risk zone for flash flooding today and tonight.

2 to 4 inches of rain is expected across much of the Lufkin/Nacogdoches area on Tuesday. Add that to the 5 to 6 inches of rain we had on Friday, and you can see why we are at risk of flash flooding.

READ MORE: Insane Rainfall Totals From Friday's Downpours

Turn Around, Don't Drown

You've heard this phrase over and over, but it's great advice.

Even if you don't get carried away by strong currents, you stand a good chance of needing a new vehicle if you stall in flood waters.

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