National Weather Service issues weather watch 

UPSTATE & POLK COUNTY—The National Weather Service has issues a watch for severe thunderstorms over the weekend. The tropical moisture is expected to approach the area and gain in severity over the weekend.  

The approaching weather system is expected late Friday through Monday. The National Weather Service warns that heavy rain is possible everywhere but will most likely happen near the escarpment in the southwest mountains.  

Residents can expect scattered showers and thunderstorms over the weekend with varying severity. Large hail, damaging winds and brief heavy downpours are expected to be the main hazards.