BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch through mid-afternoon for 13 counties in southwest Alabama.

Heavy showers also are spreading into the state. Some areas could get up to 4 inches of rain, and severe thunderstorms are possible Thursday afternoon.

In Mobile, forecasters said flash floods and damaging winds were possible.

Spring rains have helped ease drought conditions across Alabama. Nearly 75 percent of the state is still considered at least abnormally dry. But only 8 percent of its acreage is still considered to be in an extreme drought, and none is in the worst drought category.

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