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

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.