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 Severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 9 p.m. northwest of Huntsville and Houston that includes College Station, Waco and Austin.

There is the potential for thunderstorms, hail, strong winds, localized flooding and isolated tornadoes on Friday and early Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.