Tornado watch is canceled in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky

Update, 8:30 p.m.: The National Weather Service says the tornado watch for Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana has been canceled. Strong storms were still in the area, but they were mainly producing small hail and heavy downpours. The severe thunderstorm warnings issued earlier this evening have expired.

Enquirer media partner Fox 19 meteorologists said rain is still in the forecast for the coming days even though the area may not have seen as much severe weather as predicted tonight. Spotty showers will still persist through the night, but most of the area will not be affected and the showers will clear up before the morning.

Monday starts off partly cloudy but chances for showers increase through the afternoon. Monday is also expected to be cooler than today with a high just shy of the 80s. Shower chances continue through tomorrow night and Tuesday morning.

A tornado hit parts of northern Johnson County in Indiana south of Indianapolis and the damage covers a large area. Several neighborhoods and homes have been damaged or destroyed.

Update: 7:30 p.m. The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Franklin County, Union County and Dearborn County in Indiana and Preble and western Butler County in Ohio until 7:45 p.m.

. At 7:19 p.m. EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Brookville, moving northeast at 55 mph.

Locations impacted include Hamilton, Oxford, Brookville, West College Corner, Oldenburg, Darrtown, Reily, Millville, St. Leon, Scipio, College Corner, Cedar Grove, Mount Carmel, Mounds State Recreation Area, Cottage Grove,Rockdale, Peppertown, Mcgonigle, Sharptown and Saint Peter.

Update, 7:15 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northeast Dearborn County in Southeast Indiana and northwestern Hamilton County in Southwest Ohio until 7:30 p.m.

At 7:03p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Bright, Indiana moving east at 30 mph. Half-dollar size hail was indicated on radar.

Locations impacted include Harrison, Greendale, Bright, Hidden Valley, Cleves, Shawnee, Blue Jay, Miami Heights, Mack, Guilford, Logan, Manchester, New Haven, Grandview, Addyston, North Bend, West Harrison, Dover, Weisburg and Interstate 74 at US Route 52.

Previous reporting: The National Weather Service at Wilmington has issued a tornado watch for parts of Southeast Indiana, Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio until 11 p.m.

Counties in the watch area include Dearborn, Fayette, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley, Switzerland, Union and Wayne in Indiana, Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Lewis, Mason, Owen, Pendleton and Robertson in Kentucky and includes Adams, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, and Warren in Southwest Ohio.

An enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) was issued earlier for the Cincinnati area by the Storm Prediction Center for a chance of strong to severe thunderstorms, large hail, and a possible isolated tornado.

The weather service said additional storms have developed across central Indiana this afternoon and timing suggests these severe storms will approach the area within the next hour. At 4:20 p.m., a confirmed tornado was located over Greenwood, Indiana, about 13 miles south of Indianapolis, moving east at 40 mph.

There is also a possibility of power outages in some areas.

The first wave of thunderstorms started around 10 a.m., and the second one, expected to start around 4 p.m., could bring some severe weather.

The storms pose the risk of damaging winds and heavy downpours as primary threats, but large hail or an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

What's a tornado watch?

A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states. Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. In the event of a tornado watch, individuals are instructed to get prepared by reviewing and discussing an emergency plan. You should also check supplies and designate a safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives, weather service officials said.

What is a tornado warning?

A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or is indicated by weather radar. Your local forecast office issues warnings. Individuals are advised to take action as a warning means the possibility of a danger to life and property. You should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows, the NWS says. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

What's in the forecast for the coming week

Monday will be mostly cloudy during the day and night with a high near 80 and a low around 64. A 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day will drop to 60% at night.

Tuesday will be mostly cloudy during the day with a high near 75 and a 50% chance of showers, with thunderstorms possible after 2 p.m. It will be breezy at night with a low around 57.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny during the day with a high near 80 and partly cloudy at night with a low around 58.

Thursday will be mostly sunny during the day with a high near 85 and partly cloudy at night with a low around 63 and a 30% chance of showers.

Friday will be mostly sunny during the day with a high near 89 and a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. It will be mostly cloudy at night with a low around 66 and a 40% showers and thunderstorms.

Saturday will be partly sunny during the day with a high near 90 and a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Enquirer media partner FOX19 contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Southwest Ohio, NKY tornado watches canceled