Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued, Strong Storms Possible

By Robert Gates.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Essex County and much of Massachusetts on Thursday afternoon.

The watch was issued by the National Weather Service at about 1 p.m. because there is a possibility of severe storms through 10 p.m., when the watch expires.

A watch means that conditions are favorable for the formation of severe thunderstorms but none have been spotted so far.

Earlier in the day, the weather service said a few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible on Thursday afternoon, with the “primary time of concern” between 5 and 10 p.m.

“The main threats will be damaging straight line wind gusts with a secondary concern of hail,” the weather service said.

Additionally, heavy rainfall could result in street flooding in areas where there is poor drainage.