Manatee, Sarasota on severe thunderstorm watch

Manatee and Sarasota counties are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 5 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

The watch is focused on the coastal areas of both counties.

"Isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are expected this morning and through much of the afternoon," the report stated. "Some of these thunderstorms will be capable of producing strong damaging winds, locally heavy rains and frequent deadly lightning strikes."

Affected counties can also expect some coastal flooding and rip currents.

The high Friday in Bradenton is 71 degrees, according to NWS. That drops to 59 degrees Saturday, with a low of 41 degrees Saturday night. There is a 40 percent chance of rain Saturday before 1 p.m.

This story was originally published January 22, 2016 at 10:35 AM with the headline "Manatee, Sarasota on severe thunderstorm watch ."