UPDATE: Severe thunderstorms, large hail could hit Columbus Sunday evening

4:50 p.m. update: The National Weather Service is warning Columbus residents to stay indoors as a severe thunderstorm that could drop hail up to 2 inches in diameter moves through the region.

Meteorologists are warning folks to stay indoors.

Original: A long line of severe weather has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a series of alerts for West Georgia residents today.

Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, Muscogee, Stewart, Talbot, Taylor, Troup and Webster counties are all under a tornado watch until 1 p.m. ET. Weather could include up to golf ball-sized hall and winds up to 70 mph.

There is a distinction between a tornado watch and tornado warning. According to the National Weather Service, “A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and 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.”

A tornado warning means a tornado has been seen or indicated by weather radar, and there is “imminent danger to life and property.”