A tornado watch is in effect until 9 p.m. for Lincoln, Franklin, Pike, Jefferson and Lawrence counties.

A tornado watch alerts the public to the possibility of a tornado in within the next several hours. A tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service to warn the public of an existing tornado.

The NWS says severe thunderstorms tonight are likely starting in the early evening. The main risks will be hail up to golf ball size and damaging winds up to 60 mph. A few tornadoes are possible.