A thunderstorm watch has been issued for much of the viewing area until 10 p.m. tonight.

The following counties included in the watch are: Alamance, Bertie, Camden, Chatham, Chowan, Currituck, Davidson, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gates, Granville, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Johnston, Lee, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Person, Randolph, Vance, Wake, Warren, and Wilson.

According to the National Weather Service, hail to 1.5 inches in diameter, thunderstorm wind gusts to 70 mph and dangerous lightning are possible in these areas.

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes.

Stay with NBC17 and MyNC.com for updates.