New England braces for severe storms as tornado watch expands into MA

A tornado watch is in effect from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for parts of western Massachusetts and Vermont as strong to severe thunderstorms move through New England, capable of damaging winds, small hail and heavy rainfall; a brief isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. If enough sunshine breaks through, the threat could rise across central/eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Expect gusty winds around 40 mph, with flash flooding possible in parts of New Hampshire and Maine; Vermont is under wind advisories with gusts up to 50 mph. Showers and storms should diminish after dinner, with weekend highs in the 70s to 80s.