Update: Severe Thunderstorm Watch in Effect Until 8 p.m.

The skies have already darkened this morning and there have been lightning strikes and thunder.

The National Weather Service is calling for more of the same throughout the day. A tornado warning was issued for some areas to the west, while Essex County remains under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m.

A chance of showers and thunderstorms will be greatest after noon. Some storms could be severe, with hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain.

The storm warnings extend into the early evening, with the greatest risk of thunderstorms before 8 p.m.

Your local forecast.