Port Arthur, Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana are facing the threat of severe weather late Friday and into early Saturday.

The National Weather Service said thunderstorm chances increase by Friday evening with storms initially more isolated to scattered in nature.

According to Warning Coordination Meteorologist Roger Erickson, some of these storms will be capable of strong tornadoes, damaging wind gusts and large hail.

By later in the evening and through the overnight hours, a line of strong storms along a cold front will push through the region.

“These storms will be capable of damaging wind gusts and strong tornadoes,” Erickson said. “Total rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches with locally higher amounts will be possible before drier air moves in.”