OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for much of Oklahoma as conditions ripen for a round of severe weather that may produce tornadoes.

The watch was in effect until 10 p.m. for 44 counties, including Cleveland, Comanche, Garfield, Oklahoma, Tulsa and Woodward counties.

The weather service says there is a high risk of severe weather in central and northeastern Oklahoma, a moderate risk in most of the rest of the state and a slight risk in the remaining areas of Oklahoma.

Besides tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds also are possible from late afternoon through midnight.

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Michelann Ooten says the agency is monitoring the weather. She says agency officials are talking with local emergency management directors statewide to be ready to respond if needed.

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