Tornado Watch Extended to Include Plymouth

UPDATED at 7:58 p.m.: The tornado watch is in effect until 11 p.m. A small craft advisory is in effect tonight along coastal waters.

*****

The National Weather Service has extended its tornado watch to include Plymouth County.

The watch originally did not include Plymouth or Bristol counties but was extended at 5:30 p.m. The watch will end at 8 p.m.

The Cape is excluded from the watch.

NWS reported a tornado touched down near Springfield this afternoon, during rushhour. The twister damaged buildings and turned over cars on the Massachusetts Turnpike.

There is a chance of tornadoes, hail of up to two inches in diameter, thunderstorms, wind gusts up to 70 mph and lightning.

NWS said a tornado watch means conditions “are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen to later statements for possible warnings,” said NWS.

Here are some tips from The Weather Channel on how to stay safe during a tornado, including tips if you are inside a building, outside or in a car. Click here to view the safety tips.