The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Ann Arbor area until 8 p.m.

The watch area includes southeast Michigan as well as much of Ohio, and parts of Indiana Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The weather service said storms could produce isolated tornadoes as well as damaging wind gusts up to 75 mph and large hail up to two inches in diameter.

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.

The watch follows storms on Tuesday that downed trees and knocked out power in the Ann Arbor area.