The National Weather Service (NWS) has extended a severe thunderstorm watch issued earlier today for points north and west to include Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Washtenaw and St. Clair counties. 

The watch, which means severe storms may develop, is in effect until 9 p.m. Some of the storms expected to pass through the area this evening may produce 1-inch diameter hail and winds gusting to 60 miles per hour. Heavy rainfall may also create problems, the NWS alert warned. 

There's a 70 percent chance that storms will continue through Friday, but the weekend looks clear and mild.