Severe Tornado, Hail, Wind Risks: Chances They Will Hit Town

A tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warning has expanded into Worcester County as severe thunderstorms threaten the region. While a tornado remains very unlikely, severe hail and wind could be major factors across the state in Tuesday's storm. Around 2:30 p.m., a severe thunderstorm watch expanded into the rest of Massachusetts, not including the Cape & Islands.

The National Weather Service posted maps this afternoon warning of the risk for severe weather:

Tornado

While the greatest risk of a tornado lies west of Springfield and sits at just 10 percent, there is still a very minor chance of a tornado in other areas. There is a 5 percent chance of a tornado out to Worcester, and a 2 percent chance out to Boston.

The actual tornado watch started in Berkshire County before expanding into Worcester County.

Wind

The wind gusts being forecast on Weather.com don't seem too imposing. From Springfield to Boston, the wind gusts are expected to be around 15 miles per hour. Obviously, that can change in a hurry with a tornado watch and an expanding severe wind risk, which is regarding gusts of up to 58 miles per hour. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is warning of gusts up to 75 mph.

Hail

The possibility of large hail has been warned of for hours now. Again, the worst of it is expected in Western Mass., but there is the chance - about 15 percent - that it crosses Central Mass. into the Boston area. The severe hail risk is warning of chunks of hail that measure an inch or larger.

The National Weather Service offers the following safety tips during thunderstorms:

• In open country: seek shelter and avoid trees. If there is no shelter, find a ditch, culvert, or low area, but beware of rising water which can cause flooding.
• When indoors: stay away from outside walls and windows and go into an interior room on the lowest level. Avoid using electrical appliances while the storm is nearby.
• In mobile homes: You should leave and seek nearby safe shelter.
• If swimming or on a boat: You should get to shore as quickly as possible and find shelter.

Be safe everyone. Make sure to subscribe to your local Patch for updates.