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According to the Covington County EMA office, much of the area has been upgraded to a “Slight Risk” for the development of severe thunderstorms Thursday.

Early indications show that the overall pattern of the system will bring high rain chances with locally heavy rainfall possible mainly during Thursday afternoon. Strong to severe storms with damaging winds, large hail to quarter size, and a few tornadoes are possible.

The potential for strong to severe storms exists from late Thursday morning through the afternoon and likely ends from west to east in the evening hours. The potential for locally heavy rainfall will be mostly during Thursday afternoon between the hours of 2 to 5 p.m.

As with any storm system, the EMA advises the public to be prepared by staying weather aware, having multiple ways to receive warning notifications, and knowing a “safe place” before it is needed.

The Covington County EMA office is located at 272 Hillcrest Drive in Andalusia and is open weekdays from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.

For more information call EMA Director Susan Harris at 334-428-2670.