A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for much of north and central Georgia through midnight Thursday, as the region braces for damaging winds and large hail. Forecasters say wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail as large as golf balls are possible as a strong front sweeps across the state Thursday evening.

The NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC released a severe thunderstorm watch at 5:03 p.m. on Thursday in effect until Friday at midnight. The watch is for Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties.

A severe thunderstorm watch means the conditions are favorable for severe storms to develop and produce strong winds, hail and frequent lightning. There is no threat of tornadoes,