UPDATE: Tornado Watch Now Issued for Middlefield and Durham

Written by BRIAN MCCREADY (Patch Staff)

Update: The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Fairfield, New Haven, Litchfield, and Hartford counties this afternoon.

The advisory is in effect until 10 p.m.

NBC CT Meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan posted on Facebook earlier on Friday that “thunderstorms later today could be strong. The best chance for seeing storms is after 6 p.m. today and there is the potential for hail, gusty winds, lightning and heavy rain.”

He added on social media that the Storm Prediction Center also issued an enhanced risk for severe weather for a good chunk of the state.

We’ll keep updating this breaking news story. Check back for updates.

Photo credit: NOAA Photo Library

Original story: The National Weather Service has issued a “Hazardous Weather Outlook” for the state of Connecticut Friday for the potential of some severe storms and much needed rain.

In southern Connecticut, the storms are expected after 5 p.m. and there may be periods of downpours when storms roll through. The showers and thunderstorm chances continue until around midnight. Up to a half inch of rain is possible.

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In Hartford and Tolland counties the storms could begin as early as 2 p.m. and may continue off and on through the rest of the day. A half inch of rain is also forecast for the area.

Here is a breakdown of the National Weather Service’s latest statement on the potentially severe weather.

Southern Connecticut, which includes all of Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London counties:

“There is a chance for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. The main threat is damaging winds. There is a small chance for large hail and isolated tornadoes…,” the National Weather Service writes.

Hartford and Tolland counties:

“Some strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this evening...while the greatest threats with these storms are heavy rain and localized damaging wind gusts there is potential for hail and a low risk for an isolated tornado,” the National Weather Service states.

See also:

• Coach Accused of Tipping off Double-Shooting Suspect; Mom Brings Son’s Drugs to PD; Teen Charged After Prom Incident: CT News

• Puppy Lost at Sea Lands in CT: Patch PM

• The 2016 Connecticut Fireworks Guide

And once we get past that, nothing has changed about the sunny and spectacular Fourth of July weekend forecast.

Saturday: Sunshine, low to mid 80s.

Sunday: More sun and low 80s.

Fourth of July: Mostly sunny skies with temps in the low to mid 80s.