A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Monroe County along with much of Indiana and portions of Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan until 1 a.m. Thursday.  

The National Weather Service issued the alert just before 7 p.m. Wednesday, ahead of a thunderstorm expected to impact Bloomington. Multiple counties in western and southern Indiana are under a tornado watch, and several locations throughout the state are under a severe thunderstorm warning. 

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions “are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms” in and around the area under the watch, according to the NWS. Isolated hail is also possible. 

The NWS also previously sent out a wind advisory for Monroe County until 9 p.m. Wednesday, saying to expect southward winds between 20-30 mph and gusts up to 45 mph. “Isolated higher gusts cannot be ruled out,” the advisory said. The agency urged caution while driving, especially for larger vehicles.

This story may be updated.