Severe thunderstorm watch for much of Southeast Tennessee

Severe storm tile

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for much of Southeast Tennessee, including Bledsoe, Bradley, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea and Sequatchie counties, until 8 p.m. tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

This afternoon, thunderstorms will move through the area with the potential for strong, damaging winds up to 70 mph. The area could receive up to 1 inch of hail and there is the threat of localized flooding in low spots.

There is even the possibility of a brief, isolated tornado with the strongest storms.

The Chattanooga area has received about 37 inches of rain so far this year, and more is on the way. Rainfall is expected to average one tenth to a quarter of an inch per hour.

But by tonight, the severe weather will have moved out of the area. Light showers are possible through the evening. Friday is expected to be sunny with highs in the low 70s.