BOSTON, MA — Tornado warnings that covered parts of Middlesex, Worcester, Hampden and Hampshire counties were lifted Thursday as severe storms moved across New England. Severe thunderstorm warnings also expired in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont.
Forecasters said the biggest concern was a possible brief, isolated tornado and damaging wind gusts as storms pushed through the region later in the day.
What did forecasters say about the storm threat?
NBC10 Boston meteorologist Pete Bouchard said there may have been a tornadic spin-up near the Paxton-Spencer line in central Massachusetts. In nearby Rutland, police posted a photo showing a fallen tree blocking Campbell Street.
The National Weather Service first issued a tornado watch for parts of western Massachusetts and Vermont before expanding it across Massachusetts and into Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine.
Which areas were under watches and warnings?
By late Thursday afternoon, the tornado watch had been canceled for Vermont and Massachusetts. It remained in effect through 7 p.m. for New Hampshire and Maine, although forecasters said it could be canceled there as well.
The last tornado watch in Massachusetts was issued June 24, 2024, according to the report.
What impacts were expected from the storms?
Weather officials said the setup could produce strong to severe thunderstorms capable of damaging winds, small hail and periods of heavy rain. A brief isolated tornado could not be ruled out in the region.
They said the risk depended in part on how much sunshine developed after the morning rain. If clouds broke enough to warm the air, central and eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire could see stronger thunderstorms.
What happens next with the forecast?
Showers and storms were expected to taper off after dinnertime, though gusty winds could continue with wind gusts reaching 40 mph at times. High temperatures were forecast in the 70s to near 80, with lows in the 60s.
Flood watches remained in parts of New Hampshire and Maine through Thursday evening, while Vermont had wind advisories in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with gusts up to 50 mph possible. Forecasters said sunshine should return Friday and Saturday, with more storm chances later Sunday and scattered showers Monday.
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