ATLANTA (AP) — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch covering most of north, central and western Georgia.

A severe thunderstorm watch forecasters issued is expected to expire late Tuesday night. Forecasters say the main threat will be damaging winds, hail and frequent cloud to ground lightning.

Meteorologists say they're expecting the storm to make a major impact north of a line from Carrollton in western Georgia to Hiawassee — in northeastern Georgia.

Forecasters are expecting thunderstorms to continue later this week.