National Weather Service officials extended a tornado watch for the Brazos Valley area through tonight, and said residents could expect to see more rain throughout the day.
Meteorologist Dan Reilly said the weather service issued a tornado warning for southeast Texas, including Brazos County, at 11 a.m. after Texas A&M University students reported seeing a funnel cloud and power flashes near campus. The warning that expired 30 minutes later was issued based on those reports, along with radar, Reilly said, but meteorologists have not received any reports of damages or confirmed that a tornado hit.
A tornado watch, meaning conditions are favorable tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, remains in effect through 8 p.m. for 14 counties, including Brazos, Burleson, Grimes and Madison counties.
Weather officials said the safest place to be during a tornado is an interior hallway or a room such as a closet on the lowest level of a sturdy building. They suggested that anyone in a tornado use blankets or pillows for cover, as well.
Forecasters said those who are in a mobile home or vehicle should evacuate and seek shelter in a sturdy building, or as a last resort, get in a culvert, ditch or low spot and cover their head with their hands.
A flash flood watch for southeast Texas areas includes Brazos, Burleson, Grimes and Washington counties and is effective through Wednesday morning.
Reilly said at noon that College Station had received about an inch of rain over the past hour, and forecasters are expecting more. He said southeast Texas residents should expect one to three inches of rainfall, with some areas receiving four to eight inches.
The center of Tropical Storm Hermine was over central Texas at noon, Reilly said, bringing rain to the Brazos Valley area.
“We’re getting a band from that,” he said.
Forecasters said the tropical storm will continue to move into west central Texas by early Wednesday. Widespread rain drenched most of the flash flood watch area this morning, weather officials said, and they expect rain to expand northward this afternoon and continue into the evening.
Bryan city officials said Tuesday morning that the traffic light at East 29th Street and Broadmoor Drive would continue to not function properly until rains subside.
The traffic signal was experiencing electrical problems, likely because of rain or lightning, and it will remain in an “all-red flash” until heavy rains subside and workers can repair the damage, said Dale Picha, director of traffic and transportation.
Picha encouraged drivers to avoid the area if possible, or be prepared for the all-way stop at the intersection.
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