DALLAS (AP) — Parts of Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas were under a severe weather watch early Friday as the National Weather Service predicted a storm system in the Gulf of Mexico could bring strong winds, hail and possible tornadoes to the region.

“At this time, heavy showers and thunderstorms continue to develop across Louisiana and the Gulf waters, with SETX remaining clear for the remainder of the night. Please stay safe everyone,” the weather service office in Lake Charles, Louisiana, posted on the social platform X shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday.

The weather service issued a tornado warning for parts of Texas northeast of Houston late in the afternoon, meaning weather radar indicated there was a tornado in the area. There were no immediate reports of damage.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport experienced more than 100 delays and dozens more cancellations after a series of thunderstorms hit parts of Texas. Delays and thunderstorm-related cancellations were also reported at Love Field in Dallas and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, according to FlightAware, an aviation company that tracks flights around the world.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated state emergency resources due to the increasing threat of severe weather.

“As Texans and out-of-state visitors begin traveling after the Christmas holiday, it is critical that everyone regularly monitor road conditions, prepare an emergency plan and follow guidance from state and local officials,” Abbott said in a statement.

The greatest weather risk was forecast for a section of Texas east of Dallas between Houston and parts of southern Arkansas and western and northern Louisiana, said Brian Hurley, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.

“There is a possibility of one or more tornadoes with this risk, but the primary risk will be high winds and hail,” Hurley said, adding that he expected wind gusts generally between 60 and 80 miles per hour (96 to 128 km/h ) expect ) and hail 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter or larger.

The storms would likely move into southern Arkansas and western and northern Louisiana after dark, posing a potentially dangerous situation for leisure travelers, Hurley said.

“People can’t see much and may not be as aware of the weather,” he said.