Weather

Tornado Warnings Expire, Strong Storms Continue

Tornado warnings that were in effect for parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut have been lifted but powerful storms continue to move through the region.

Severe thunderstorm warnings remain in effect for some areas of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts State Police said their patrols are reporting heavy hail along the Massachusetts Turnpike with vehicles being forced to pull over. They urged motorists to remain indoors or in their cars if they are caught in this storm.

The elementary school in West Brookfield, Massachusetts had its students shelter-in-place for a time due to the strength of the storm. School officials said students will be put back on buses as soon as it is safe.

The tornado warning was in effect for about 30 minutes Friday afternoon for Worcester and Hampden counties in Massachusetts and Tolland and Windham counties in Connecticut.

In addition and unrelated to the continuing thunderstorm potential, the Champlain Valley of Vermont will find strong, non-thunderstorm wind gusts Friday afternoon and evening that may exceed 50 mph. It may even knock out power for some.

Finally, the heavy rain Friday through the night will amount to between one and two inches, causing potential flooding on New England’s rivers including the Sudbury in Massachusetts, Lower Connecticut in Connecticut, and New Hampshire/Maine's Pemigewasset, Saco, Presumpscot, Swift, Kennebec and Mattawamkeag Rivers.

Most of the rain departs central and southern New England between 7 and 8 a.m. Saturday, and northern New England shortly thereafter. This will leave us with more clouds than sun, breezy conditions and perhaps a sprinkle with highs in the 50s to near 60 for many.

Despite seasonal temps for most areas in New England, mountains may see a bit of snowflakes.

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Skies will clear Saturday night into Sunday morning before the next system races in, prompting scattered Sunday afternoon and evening showers. Those showers again may mix with snowflakes in the high terrain of particularly Western New England, with less chance of showers in the north.

After a pleasant and bright Monday, most days next week feature an elevated chance of showers with temperatures near or slightly below normal for this time of the year in the exclusive First Alert 10-day forecast.

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