RI's Hail, Wind Risks: Chances They Will Hit Town

A severe thunderstorm watch has expanded into all of Rhode Island. Meanwhile, a tornado watch has been called for Central and Western Massachusetts. While a tornado remains very unlikely, severe hail and wind could be major factors in Rhode Island in Tuesday's storm.

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

Tornado

While the greatest risk of a tornado lies west of Springfield, MA, and sits at just 10 percent, there is still a very minor chance of a tornado in other areas. There is a 2 percent chance of a tornado in the northern half of Rhode Island, the NWS said.

An actual tornado watch is in Berkshire County and Worcester County in Massachusetts.

Wind

The wind gusts being forecast on Weather.com don't seem too imposing. Wind gusts around the state 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.

Hail

The possibility of large hail has been warned of for hours now. Again, the worst of it is expected in the northern half of Rhode Island - about 5 a percent chance. The severe hail risk is for 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 for local updates.