Storms may bring torrential rainfall and localized flash flooding.
View full sizeA "tornado outlook" map published by the National Weather Service shows a 5% probability of tornadic activity in southern Berkshire and Hampden counties in Massachusetts.SPRINGFIELD -- The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for western Massachusetts Thursday, warning of the potential of severe thunderstorms and conditions favorable for a tornado.
"An isolated tornado or two can not be ruled out across western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut late this afternoon and evening," the statement reads.
The agency reports that the region may see a "significant outbreak" of severe thunderstorms late Thursday afternoon and evening. Western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut are listed as high-risk areas.
Storms may bring torrential rainfall and localized flash flooding.
Sandra Ahearn, a spokeswoman for Western Massachusetts Electric Company, said Thursday morning that the utility would be monitoring the weather closely and keeping crews on standby.
Area city and town officials quickly took to social media to advise residents to remain alert regarding today's conditions.
"Severe Weather is headed our way," Southampton's fire department noted in a Facebook post. "Please keep an eye to the sky and an ear to the weather reports either TV or radio. Please treat each warning issued as real! Keep yourself and your family/ friends safe by staying off the roads as much as possible during 3pm and 10pm when its supposed to be the worst."
Bradley International Airport also warned that the weather could affect air travel today, posting to Twitter: "Keep an eye to the sky later this afternoon and evening. The forecasted weather will impact flights later on today."