Thunderstorm watch issued

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for several area counties until 7 p.m. Friday night.

The National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio issued a thunderstorm watch for Blanco, Burnet and Llano counties as well as surrounding counties.

“Severe thunderstorms are forecast to continue this afternoon and evening from the eastern plains of Colorado to western and central Oklahoma and southward to south Texas,” said the National Weather Service website. “Threats will include large hail, damaging winds and a few tornadoes.”

The watch stated that a subtropical jet has moved north from Mexico into the Rio Grande Valley, meeting a moist air mass moving southeast from the Four Corners.

“Increasing mid/upper level winds and moderate cape values will promote the risk of rotating storms capable of large hail and damaging winds,” the watch stated, adding that storms would likely congeal Friday evening “with an enhanced risk of damaging winds.  Isolated tornadoes are possible.”

Residents should take precaution when traveling, secure yard furniture and shelter pets and persons.