JACKSON — The National Weather Service in Jackson has issued a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 7 p.m. for the following counties in central Mississippi:

• Adams
• Claiborne
• Copiah
• Covington
• Franklin
• Hinds
• Issaquena
• Jefferson
• Jefferson Davis
• Lawrence
• Lincoln
• Madison
• Rankin
• Scott
• Sharkey
• Simpson
• Smith
• Warren
• Yazoo

A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

A severe thunderstorm by definition is a thunderstorm that produces one-inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move to a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.