UPDATED: Tornado watch issued for Cherokee County until 9 p.m. Friday

NWS has issued Tornado Watch No. 99 through 9 p.m. tonight, along with a lake wind advisory from 7 to 9 p.m. this evening.

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Showers, thunderstorms expected through early Saturday morning

National Weather Service – Shreveport is predicting widespread showers and thunderstorms this afternoon for Cherokee and surrounding counties, as well as parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.

According to a report issued at 5:09 a.m. Friday, April 23, “some storms could be severe from this afternoon through the very early hours of Saturday morning (with) tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail will be possible.”

Additionally heavy rainfall locally could result in flash flooding.

A flood warning was issued for the Neches River near Neches, affecting Cherokee, Houston and Anderson counties.

Officials remind motorists to avoid driving cars through flooded areas, as well as to use caution when walking near river banks. 
When encountering flooded roads, turn around to prevent possible drowning, officials added.

While the severe weather is expected to end in the early hours Saturday morning, “strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible again Tuesday afternoon through late Wednesday,” according to NWS.