INTENSE STORM CELLS - Cochran County and Hockley County was hit with severe storms Thursday throughout the afternoon and evening. Levelland and Hockley County Emergency Management reported four tornado touch downs within Hockley County. One touch down took place near FM 303 and Pettit. The others took place south of Whitharral, near the west edge of Spade Ranch and the fourth touch down took place near the east county line and N. FM 2378. The first storm crossed the state line in eastern New Mexico around 5 p.m. when the first tornado warnings were issued. The first tornado formed north of Morton, moving northeast in Cochran County, mostly over an open area. Storms across the counties brought large hail, high winds and large amounts of rain. Reports of flooding, downed power lines, broken power poles and debris have been reported. Three injuries have been reported. Preliminary reports counted 17 touch downs from Cochran County to Lubbock County. Tornado sirens were active for Levelland, Smyer and Anton. Pictured is a storm cell forming south of Whitharral on Thursday. (Staff photo by Dom Puente)