Severe thunderstorms could hit Chattanooga area today

Lightning strikes over the crest of the hill leading away from downtown along U.S. Highway 27 northbound as thunderstorms reach the area Tuesday, July 14, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Lightning strikes over the crest of the hill leading away from downtown along U.S. Highway 27 northbound as thunderstorms reach the area Tuesday, July 14, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for potentially severe thunderstorms for the Chattanooga area today.

The area counties included in the hazardous weather outlook are: Bledsoe, Bradley, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea and Sequatchie.

Expect showers and thunderstorms across the region today. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible.

The threat of strong storms should end later this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Upcoming Events