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A tornado watch is currently in effect for eight N.C. counties, including Stanly, according to the National Weather Service.

The watch took effect at 1:25 p.m. and is expected to last until 7 p.m.

Unlike a tornado warning, which means severe weather is actually happening in a certain area, a watch means severe weather is possible.

The Weather Service is predicting showers and thunderstorms this afternoon with about an 80 percent chance of precipitation, though it falls to about 30 percent tonight.

There is also about a 30 percent chance of rain Tuesday and a 50 percent chance of rain Wednesday. The rest of the week looks to be sunny, with highs in the low-to mid-70s, though Sunday should hit into the 80s.