GRAY--T he National Weather Service has placed much of the state under a tornado watch until 7 p.m..

The watch area includes 11 counties, including Franklin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset and Waldo Counties.

A watch means conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and tornados in and around the watch area, said Andy Pohl, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Those conditions specifically includes upper level winds that are stronger than at lower levels, Pohl said. The different wind sheers allows storms to begin rotating.

Pohl encouraged residents to remain tuned to news sources for updates.

"Be alert to the possibility," he said. "If we see something specific we'll issue a warning."