A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for the Columbus area Friday. The watch, which was issued at 12:50, lasts until 7 p.m. today, according to the National Weather Service. Showers and storms are expected to move into the area this afternoon and early evening.

A flood watch is in effect for Parker, Tarrant, Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, Ellis, Montague, Cooke, Grayson, Fannin, Lamar, Young, Jack, Wise, Denton, Collin, Hunt, Delta and Hopkins counties through Thursday morning. A flash flood warning is in effect for Freestone County until 7:30 p.m.