Waco, Texas – A line of intense storms is sweeping across Central Texas Thursday afternoon, prompting a Severe Thunderstorm Watch through 8 p.m. for dozens of counties from the Brazos Valley to the Piney Woods.
According to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, the watch area includes cities such as Waco, Killeen, Centerville, and Palestine. Expected hazards include wind gusts up to 70 mph, hail approaching ping-pong ball size, and a low but present tornado risk.
Communities in Anderson, Bell, Brazos, Burleson, and Williamson counties are urged to monitor alerts and take immediate shelter if warnings are issued. Roads in and around U.S. 190, I-45, and SH-6 may become hazardous as storms intensify throughout the evening.
Residents should charge mobile devices, secure outdoor items, and avoid unnecessary travel until the threat passes. The storms are part of a broader system affecting East Texas, similar to early spring outbreaks seen in past years.
This Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains active until 8 p.m. Thursday. Additional warnings or updates could follow as conditions evolve.
