Tornado watches and warnings cover Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi

A “tornado outbreak” threatens parts of East Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi on Saturday. Meteorologists warn that the storm also brings the risk of flooding, strong gusts of wind and hail.

Nearly 5 million people are under a tornado watch in parts of the three states Saturday, lasting through the afternoon. A severe thunderstorm warning was also in effect for over 9 million people in the surrounding areas. According to the National Weather Service, some parts of Texas and Louisiana were also under tornado warnings, which are more severe warnings that mean there is an imminent threat to life or property.

The weather service said severe storms could hit parts of states along the Southern Plains, into the lower Mississippi Valley and central Gulf Coast states, with tornadoes, wind damage and large hail.

Travelers beware: Severe weather forecast says storms, tornadoes and snow

In Dermott, Arkansas, where a severe thunderstorm warning was in effect Saturday morning, meteorologists said, “This destructive storm will contain hail the size of a baseball!”

The storms came after a previous round of weather struck parts of Texas and Louisiana with multiple tornadoes and severe thunderstorms on Thursday, AccuWeather reported.

Tornado warnings and watches were issued Saturday

Parts of Texas stretching from Dayton, just outside Houston, to Waco were under a tornado watch until 5 p.m. local time, meaning tornadoes could form in or near the area, the National Weather Service said.

More serious tornado warnings were in effect in Harris County and Waller County in Texas until 11 a.m. CST. Warnings were in effect until 11:30 a.m. for Tomball and Kohrville, Texas, about 30 miles from Houston.

Tornado warnings were issued early Saturday morning in Singer and Juanita in western Louisiana. Warnings were also in place in Alexandria, Pineville, Woodworth, Longville, Oretta and Singer, Louisiana. These alerts expired between 8:30 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. CST. Several other cities in Louisiana had tornado warnings that also expired in the early hours of Saturday.

Severe weather warnings and monitoring map

What is a Tornado Warning, Warning?

A tornado watch occurs when weather conditions provide the best conditions for tornadoes to form and alerts people to act quickly in and around the watch area.

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or is indicated by weather radar and there is an imminent threat to life or property. During a tornado warning, people should seek shelter indoors on the lowest floors of study buildings and stay away from windows.

When the weather service issues a tornado emergency, it means a violent tornado has touched down and “there is a serious threat to life and property, with catastrophic damage confirmed.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tornado watches and warnings cover Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi