Chattanooga area under severe thunderstorm threat

The National Weather Service has placed the Chattanooga region under a severe thunderstorm watch this evening.

The watch is in effect until 7 p.m. and includes Bledsoe, Coffee, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton, Lincoln, Marion, Moore, Rhea, Sequatchie, Van Buren and Warren counties.

Residents can expect heavy downpours, strong winds, some hail and cloud-to-ground lightning, said the NWS in Morristown, Tenn. Areas may receive up to an inch of rain.

Another round of potential thunderstorms is expected tomorrow morning.