A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for the Columbus area Friday. The watch, which was issued at 12:50, lasts until 7 p.m. today, according to the National Weather Service. Showers and storms are expected to move into the area this afternoon and early evening.

On Friday at 5:33 p.m. the National Weather Service released a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 8 p.m. for Autauga, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties.