West Wharton County faced tornado scares Thursday as funnel clouds formed, damaging two barns near Pierce. No injuries were reported. Alerts were issued at 2:30 p.m., urging residents to seek shelter. The first funnel was seen near U.S. 59 and Highway 71. High winds caused minor damage at Mikeska’s Bar-B-Que. Emergency responders found no major damage elsewhere. Sheriff Shannon Srubar expressed relief that no one was hurt. The storm system also caused delays at Houston’s Hobby Airport.