Bartholomew, Decatur, Rush and Wayne counties are under a severe thunderstorm warning until midnight.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for all of central Indiana into early Friday morning.

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Strong, damaging winds and large hail were the primary threat. The National Weather Service received reports of large hail in Tippecanoe, Montgomery and Hendricks counties, along with reports of downed power lines in Tippecanoe County.

Duke Energy Group reported more than 4,400 customers without power around 9 Thursday night, with 2,600 in Clinton County and 1,600 in Tippecanoe County.

Much-needed rain fell on central Indiana early Thursday, well ahead of prospects for more strong to severe thunderstorms later in the day.

Storm Team 6 Meteorologist Ashley Brown said at least an inch of rain fell in Marion County and surrounding areas before 6 a.m.

Some RTV6 viewers in Hamilton, Putnam and Morgan counties reported several lightning strikes and gusty winds.

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center has placed all of Indiana in a slight risk zone for severe weather, with damaging winds and large hail the primary threats.

Hoosiers welcomed Thursday’s rain after recent government reports that showed most of Indiana to be under "exceptional" drought conditions for most of June and July.

A much-needed break in the heat is also on the way, with highs expected to stay below 80 degrees on Friday and Saturday.

Stay with Storm Team 6 and TheIndyChannel.com for the latest severe weather information.