National Weather Service issues special weather alert: severe thunderstorms, flooding, possible large hail, Aug. 21

Special Weather Statement in effect from 1:00 PM until 10:00 PM EDT.

Two rounds of showers/thunder today, one this morning and a second this afternoon/evening. Some of the afternoon/evening storms may produce strong wind gusts and heavy downpours. Keep an eye to the sky if you are outside this afternoon.

A frontal system will approach the region, bringing the threat for strong thunderstorms this afternoon across north-central and western Massachusetts, then will cross the remainder of the region through the afternoon into early tonight.

Some of these storms may become severe, with the main threats of strong to damaging winds as well as heavy rainfall that may produce localized highway and street flooding. There is also a chance for large hail.

The showers and thunderstorms are expected to arrive at around 1:00PM and linger through 10:00PM, then should slowly weaken through the remainder of the night.