COUNTY LIFE
Stormy weather may arrive Easter weekend
Forecasters are closely monitoring the developing weather pattern and the potential for severe thunderstorms to ignite and tornadoes that could be spawned across portions of the southern and eastern United States during the upcoming Easter weekend.
A slow-moving storm will continue to crawl through the Southwest states this week, and the forward movement of that storm will be a key factor in determining whether severe weather erupts or mostly benign thunderstorms pop up instead by Saturday and Sunday.
“Should the storm move steadily across the Deep South late this week and this weekend and join up with a second storm that is forecast to drop southeastward across the Midwest, then a violent outbreak of thunderstorms could result with the full spectrum of severe weather possible,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.
This more grim outlook appears to be more likely at this time as opposed to a much more suppressed thunderstorm event limited to the Deep South.
Colder air will sweep through much of the Central and Eastern states prior to the end of this week, but it will not hold on long enough to limit the return flow of warmth and high humidity levels for this weekend.
“Instead, the rebound following the blast of cold air could make matters worse in terms of tornado risk,” according to AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno.
The setup could produce everything from several tornadoes to damaging wind gusts, large hail and flash flooding.
The first storms are likely to erupt in portions of central and eastern Texas to the Mississippi Delta region on Saturday afternoon and evening.
The storms on Saturday are likely to be just the beginning of what may end up being one of the more significant severe weather and tornado outbreaks of 2020 in the South.
The main severe weather threat day is likely to be on Easter Sunday. This day, the storm threat will be advancing slowly across the lower Mississippi Valley and perhaps the Tennessee Valley areas.
The storms are likely to then continue eastward across the southern Appalachians during Sunday night and may continue to produce severe weather for a time on Monday along part of the southern Atlantic seaboard before being swept out to sea.
The risk comes around the peak time of year for tornadoes in much of the Southeast states.
AccuWeather meteorologists will continue to keep an eye on the evolving weather pattern and update the severe weather risks in the coming days.
Take time to remember all those who gave all for our freedoms in America. The Bowie News staff wishes you a safe and happy holiday day weekend this Memorial Day. The News office will be closed on Monday for the holiday.
AUSTIN – With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start to summer boating season, Texas Game Wardens are preparing for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year and reminding Texans and visitors alike to put safety first before heading out on the water.
In 2025, Texas recorded 178 reportable boating incidents that resulted in 50 fatalities and 77 serious injuries. Eighty-four percent of those who died in boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket. Texas Game Wardens also made 223 Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) arrests last year.
“Memorial Day weekend is when many families get back on the water for the first time this year,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, director of Law Enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Before you leave the dock, take a few minutes to make sure your life jackets are on board, your boat is properly equipped and you have designated a sober operator.”
Texas Game Wardens encourage boaters to keep the following in mind before launching:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children younger than 13 are required to wear one while underway.
- Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The operator must wear the lanyard or have the engine cut-off switch fob on their person when operating a boat equipped with one.
- Operate at a safe speed and maintain a proper lookout.
- Take a boater education course. It is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993.
- Check the weather before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Leave a float plan with someone you trust.
- Don’t overload your boat.
“Boating should be fun,” said VanderRoest. “A little planning and some common sense help keep it that way.”
Renting a Boat or Personal Watercraft
If you plan to rent a boat or personal watercraft, choose a licensed vessel livery (a business establishment engaged in renting or hiring out vessels for profit).
By law, vessel liveries must provide all required safety equipment, explain how to operate the vessel, review applicable boating laws and have the operator sign a form acknowledging they received this information. They are also required to carry liability insurance.
Before leaving the dock, renters should make sure the vessel has enough life jackets for everyone on board and that they understand basic operating rules, including those specific to personal watercraft.
Personal Watercraft Safety
Personal watercraft, including jet skis, are subject to special laws in Texas. Operators and passengers must always wear a life jacket, the operator must use the engine cut-off switch, and these vessels may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. Operators must also stay at least 50 feet from other vessels, people and the shore unless traveling at headway speed.
“Whether you’re launching your own boat or renting one for the day, take the time to understand the rules and make safety part of your plan,” said VanderRoest. “If you take safety seriously from the start, you’re far less likely to need help later.”
For more information about boating laws, required equipment and boater education courses, visit the TPWD Boater Education Program at tpwd.texas.gov/boatereducation.
Starting at noon on May 25 at The V (VFW) in Nocona there will be a program for the Memorial Day featuring speakers, cannons and a rifle team.
There will be a Memorial Day Celebration Dinner at 5 p.m. on May 25 at the Nocona Senior Citizens Center (Carpenter Shop).
Call for reservations at 940-825-3148. The meal will include barbecue ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and ice team. Adults are $10 and children $5.
Proceeds benefit the senior center and the Meals on Wheels program at Nocona.
-
NEWS3 years agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS4 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS3 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS3 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS3 years agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
Show us something good9 years agoCountry music star children perform in Bowie
-
NEWS3 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
100th Birthday4 years agoLooking back at the 1958 Centennial edition of The Bowie News