A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for far north counties, including Grayson, Denton, Wise, Jack, Cooke and Collin, until 4 p.m. Large hail and damaging winds are the primary threat.Thursday is a First Alert Weather Day for the potential of strong to severe storms in the afternoon and evening hours.

Over the last 30+ years, tornadoes have touched down the most in our region between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Tornadoes are much more uncommon, but not impossible, in the early morning hours.

At 11:51 a.m. on Thursday, the NWS Fort Worth TX released a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 4 p.m. The watch is for Denton, Wise and Jack counties.