Update: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Until 8 p.m.

Essex County remains under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. Shortly after 3 p.m., there were high winds, thunder, and some rain in Salem.

The skies darkened this morning and there were lightning strikes and thunder.

The National Weather Service is calling for more of the same throughout the day.

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.