Lawrence is part of an area in central and eastern Kansas that has been placed under a tornado watch until 11 p.m. today by the National Weather Service.

Hail up to 3 inches in diameter, thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 70 mph and dangerous lightning are possible in the area.

The National Weather Service advises that a tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

Those in the watch area should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions.

Counties in the watch area are Douglas, Franklin, Shawnee, Geary, Morris, Osage, Lyon, Chase, Coffey, Waubunsee and Anderson.

Tune in the Sunflower Broadband’s Cable Channel 6 for the latest conditions in Lawrence.