The SouthCoast should batten down the hatches this afternoon, as the National Weather Service forecasts an evening of heavy thunderstorms, the area on severe thunderstorm watch.
According to a report released Sunday morning, much of Massachusetts is at moderate risk of severe weather, with “damaging wind the primary threat, but large hail and an isolated tornado is also possible” statewide.
Locally, the NWS forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon into the evening. The time of greatest concern for thunderstorms is expected to be 2 to 10 p.m.
“Some of the storms could be severe,” the NWS reported.
The chance of precipitation is 80%. Rainfall could be heavy during the storm periods.
Wind speeds in the SouthCoast are not expected to be too high, about 7 to 16 mph, with gusts slightly higher.
What to do in a severe thunderstorm
If you’re outside during a severe thunderstorm, seek safety inside a building quickly. Do not seek shelter under trees.
Stay clear of windows. Avoid using running water or devices plugged into electrical outlets.
If you can’t make it inside a building, inside a parked car is the next-best place to be when outside during a lightning storm. Make sure it’s parked in a place where it will be safe from falling power lines or trees.
If downpours occur and you’re caught driving in flash flooding, do not drive through flooded areas. Turn around immediately and seek an alternate route.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Severe thunderstorm watch: SouthCoast on alert for wild weather
