The National Weather Service in Gaylord has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for most of Northeast Michigan, including Alpena, Alcona, Montmorency, and Presque Isle counties. The watch is issued until 8 p.m. tonight.

The greatest severe weather potential will be this afternoon, with damaging winds and large hail the primary severe weather threats, the weather notice says.

A storm watch means that severe weather hasn’t occurred yet, but upcoming weather conditions are expected to produce potentially dangerous weather, such as heavy rain, hail, or strong gusts of wind.

Because conditions can change quickly, the Weather Service wants to give residents as much time as possible to safeguard personal property and take shelter.