University of Massachusetts employee Sandy Harrington walks by the UMass Pond during a patch of rain. The National Weather Service released a special weather statement for “interior southern New England,” warning about severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.
University of Massachusetts employee Sandy Harrington walks by the UMass Pond during a patch of rain. The National Weather Service released a special weather statement for “interior southern New England,” warning about severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Credit: For the recorder/KEVIN GUTTING

Franklin County could potentially experience strong thunderstorms this afternoon, and a tornado watch has been put in place for Berkshire County. 

The tornado watch will expire at 8 p.m.

The National Weather Service released a special weather statement for “interior southern New England,” warning about severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. The best chance for these storms is between 3 and 9 p.m.

As of approximately 11 a.m., weather radar was tracking a line of thunderstorms approaching Berkshire County and heading to the east at 60 miles an hour.

Rain began in Greenfield around 11:30 a.m.

According to the NWS, these storms will move across Franklin and Hampshire counties. Winds from this line of storms may reach 40 miles an hour and drivers are encouraged to look out for downed branches. 

The National Weather Service also warned that “isolated large hail” along with heavy rain and flooding is also a concern, and there is a low risk of “an isolated tornado” across western and central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.