Southeast Texas on Friday is facing a rare heightened risk of severe weather, a threat level seen only when destructive weather events have followed, such as last May's derecho and the post-Christmas tornado outbreak.

A powerful line of storms is expected to sweep through the Houston area Friday, bringing the risk of large hail and damaging wind gusts.

A Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday for Harris, Fort Bend, Grimes, Montgomery, Liberty, Waller, Polk, San Jacinto, Walker, and Washington counties.