ROCKY HILL, CT (WFSB) -
The National Weather Service has issued tornado and severe thunderstorm watches for Connecticut.
The following counties are included in the tornado watch:
- Fairfield County
- Middlesex County
- New Haven County
- New London
The tornado watch has been posted until 9 p.m.
The following counties are included in the severe thunderstorm watch:
- Hartford County
- Tolland County
- Windham County
The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 11 p.m.
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.
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.
Refresh this page and watch Eyewitness News for updates.
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