Update: Tornado Watch Extended Until 6 A.M. Saturday

Updated 10 p.m.

The National Weather Service has extended the Tornado Watch until 6 a.m. Saturday for all of metro Atlanta, including Lilburn.

Strong and severe storms, and possibly tornadoes, are expected to continue throughout the area until then.

Here are some weather-preparedness tips from Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge:

Charge your cell phone: In case your landline phone service goes out.

Know the difference between a watch and a warning: A watch means severe weather is possible. A warning means it’s imminent.

Monitor weather: Get the latest info from TV, radio or internet reports. Invest in a NOAA weather radio if possible.

Adjust outdoor activities: Delay or cancel outdoor plans when there’s a severe-weather threat.

While indoors: Stay away from open doors and windows until the storm has subsided. Seek shelter in the basement or an interior room. Avoid outside walls.

Lightning safety: Turn off (and/or unplug) electrical appliances until the storm passes. Stay off your landline phone and don’t take a shower or bath. Lightning can travel into a home via plumbing, gas lines and electrical lines.

If lightning strikes: If you believe lightning has struck your home, check for smoke or fire, including in the attic and basement. If you smell smoke or see charring around electrical outlets, evacuate the house and call 911.

Power lines: Consider any downed power line as “live or energized,” and call the fire department.