Heavy storms expected to hit the suburbs

Severe storms packed with the possibility of hail and tornadoes are in the forecast this afternoon for the suburbs, officials said.

The first round of storms is forecast to roll through the suburbs this afternoon.

A second round of storms could hit the area this evening.

Storms today could produce:

• Rainfall rates up to two inches per hour

• Damaging winds

• Hail

• Tornadoes

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch until 1 a.m. Thursday.