Tornado Watch in Effect for Harford County (EXPIRED)

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Harford County, effective until 9 p.m. on Thursday.

Thunderstorms are likely Thursday afternoon and evening, some of which may become severe, according to the weather service.

Harford County Emergency Manager Rick Ayers said storms would probably hit the area after 5 p.m., as storms were developing in western Maryland at approximately 2:30 p.m. He asked citizens to monitor the storm and take shelter if necessary.

Damaging wind gusts are the greatest threat, the weather service reported. Large hail and an isolated tornado are possible.

The tornado watch includes Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties as well as Baltimore City, parts of northern Virginia and West Virginia.