Tornado warning for Hartford, Tolland counties until 5:45 p.m. - WFSB 3 Connecticut

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Hartford and Tolland counties until 5:45 p.m.

Just before 4:30 p.m., the National Weather Service indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado seven miles south of Glastonbury or near East Hampton moving north at 30 mph.

The storm moved north and caused extensive damage in South Glastonbury, Glastonbury, Middletown, Manchester and Vernon.

According to the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK, if a tornado warning is issued, get into a basement or the lowest level of your home and avoid windows.

If possible, get under some sort of sturdy protection, like a workbench or heavy table, or you can cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag.

If you're in a location without a basement, it is advised to get into a small center room, like a bathroom or closet, under a stairwell or in an interior hallway. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down, and cover your head with your hands.

A bathtub may offer some protection as well.

If you're driving when a tornado warning is issued, park the car as quickly and safely as possible, out of traffic lanes.

Get out of the vehicle and seek shelter inside a sturdy building.

If you're not in the vicinity of a building, run to low ground away from any cars and lie as flat as possible, face down.

Avoid seeking shelter under bridges and highway overpasses.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for most of Connecticut until 9 p.m.

The tornado watch has been issued for the following locations:

• Hartford County
• Middlesex County
• New London County
• Tolland County
• New Haven County
• Windham County

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe storms in and around the watch area.

Officials at the NWS said residents should keep an eye to the sky and seek shelter immediately if any severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings are issued.

Refresh this page and watch Eyewitness News for updates.

Copyright 2012 WFSB (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.