Severe thunderstorms hit Austin area, tornado warning issued near central Texas: NWS

Severe weather is heading toward central Texas Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service. Storm activity will range from the Hill Country to the Interstate 35 corridor and coastal plains, the agency said.

More: Parts of Texas will see temperatures in the 100s on Thursday, severe thunderstorms are expected in other areas

Travis, Williamson and parts of Hays counties have a 5 to 9 percent chance of seeing tornado activity, although very large hail and damaging winds are the main threats. The storm is forecast to arrive in the area around 7 p.m. and exit central Texas around 10 p.m. Thursday before continuing southeast, according to meteorologist Jason Runyen. He said up to half an inch of rain could be possible in some areas.

More: Save, no! Tips on How to Prevent the Next Hail Storm from Damaging Your Car

Tornado warning issued for parts of Texas

The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for several counties in North and West Texas. Surveillance is in force until 9pm on Thursday for the following municipalities:

• forest

• Coleman

• Coryell

• Elis

• Hill

• Kimble

• McCulloch

• Mills

• Runeis

• Taylor

• Brown

• Comanche

• Dallas

• Erath

• Hood

• lamps

• Mclennan

• Paulo Pinto

• Saint Sheba

• Stephens

• Callahan

• Concho

• East

• Hamilton

• Johnson

• Mason

• Menardo

• Parker

• Shackelford

• Taranto

• Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible and residents should be alert.

• Tornado Warning: Tornadoes have been spotted or indicated on weather radar and residents should seek shelter immediately.

This article originally appeared in the Austin American-Statesman: Severe weather expected with tornado warning issued near central Texas