Tornado watch Thursday in Athens until 7 p.m.; strong winds expected until 11 p.m.

A tornado watch has been issued by the National Weather Service in Atlanta for the Athens area until 7 p.m.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are occurring across north and central Georgia and expected to reach Athens late Thursday afternoon. Lightning is expected during the storms.

The main threat will be damaging winds and gusts up to 60 mph, according to the Weather service.

The tornado watch ends about 7 p.m., but a wind advisory will remain in effect until 11 p.m. to account for strong wind gusts from 30 to 40 mph in front of the line, which could bring down trees and powerlines, the service reported.