Hail, winds a danger today
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

Today could be a rough one weather-wise with a strong possibility of severe storms prompting the National Weather Service to issue warnings.

Local emergency management officials started tracking weather conditions Friday and urged citizens to pay close attention to forecasts.

"The National Weather is predicting an outbreak of strong to severe storms in our area this weekend, especially (this) afternoon and night. This storm may contain large hail, damaging straight-line winds and even strong tornadoes," County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Kirkland said.

"The Storm Prediction Center has placed our area under a moderate risk of severe weather, which is very rare. This weather system certainly bears watching, so stay tuned to your local radio, television and NOAA weather radio over the weekend," he added.

The warning, first issued at 4:53 a.m. Friday, is for 22 counties in the area including Wharton, Matagorda, Colorado, Jackson and Fort Bend.

The front line was expected to be in the Crockett to Caldwell area late Friday night bring hail and severe thunderstorms to that area.

By late this afternoon or tonight, the storm line is expected to hit this area.

A warning has already been issued about the possibility of damaging winds and possible tornadic activity.

The key, emergency management officials say, is to monitor weather conditions and take appropriate action should a severe storm develop.

The danger is expected to pass by Sunday.