SPOKANE -- The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for portions of the central, east central and north central region of Washington.

The areas effected are Moses Lake, the Upper Columbia Basin, Okanogan Highlands, Wenatchee, east slopes of the northern Cascades, the Okanogan Valley and Waterville Plateau.

Severe thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon.

• Damaging wind gusts.
• Hail to the size of quarters.
• Frequent lightning.

A significant lightning event is possible today and will have the potential to produce new fire starts, especially in the mid and low elevations where fuels have cured.